I need advice about my legal woes.?

About a week and a half ago I was arrested for possession of marijuana and paraphernalia. I live in Arizona. It was an experience I do not wish to repeat. I have to much to jeopardize over marijuana and I want to get my legal troubles over with and move on. I haven't smoked or touched marijuana since. I have a court date on the 27th and would like advice on how to handle this situation so that I don't lose scholarships or any other financial aide. So far I know that since this is my very first offense I might be eligible for deferred prosecution. How would I go about this and how else would I handle this? Any advice would be helpful. I also know that it would be to my advantage to go to court looking my best, any other advice? I would like to hear from someone that had either had this happen or someone with some legal background.