My question involves criminal law for the state of: Minnesota
I'm 24 yrs. old and I just recieved a ticket for a small amount possession of marijuana, this is my first drug related offense and I have no other priors. I am trying to go back to school this fall and having this on my record would ruin everything especially trying to get a job! I spoke with a lawyer yesterday and he said he'd charge a flat rate of $1000 to represent me! Once I expressed that I wouldn't be making my decision right away and that money was going to play a key factor in who I choose to represent me he suddenly changes his mind and says he'd be willing to give me a "sweetheart deal" of $500 and that's only if it gets resolved after 1 court appearence. I think I have a pretty easy case, is he just high balling me? What can I expect to pay for a lawyer to represent me in this? Would it be possible for me to represent myself? Also isn't it free for me to request of copy of the police report?
Thank you very much in advance!

