I am in Texas. I went to court on theft by check. The check was for fees of $1025, over 3 years old. I had moved and was never notified even though I changed my address with the state and license. The DA offered 15 months probation, 80 community service hours, and I don't even know what else as he never explained it all to me. I declined this agreement as the judge constantly said you can disagree with the plea bargain if you want. I was asked by the DA how long it would take me to pay off all fines, totaling $1300 and something. I said 3 months max and so he suggests putting me on 15 months probation, no deferred, no getting off early if all requirements are met. I declined. Then I was given a pretrial date as well as a trial date. What are my next steps? What happens at pretrial? Will I be treated worse for declining the DA plea bargain? At some point, will I be able to request a laywer or shall I try to obtain one myself? I intend to have my charges paid in full before pretrial date. What are the chances of this being dropped by that time at pretrial if they are paid in full? This is my first offense.

