Hi, my name is Mason , and I’m reaching out because I really need help.

Earlier this year, I was charged with possession of of marijuana by Denton county police department. Even though it was just weed, the charge they’re pushing is serious, and the consequences could change my life.

Right now, I’m in a really tough position. Denton County doesn’t have a public defender’s office. They use a court-appointed system, and when I applied for a court-appointed attorney, I was denied because I “make too much.” But I live paycheck to paycheck. I don’t have credit, I was denied for a loan, and there’s no way I can afford the thousands of dollars it costs to hire a private lawyer up front.

Since the arrest, I’ve contacted Legal Aid, the Texas Bar Association, and several attorneys in the DFW area. A few offered reduced rates, but all of them required full payment within five months, which just isn’t doable for me right now.

On top of all this, the district attorney hasn’t filed charges yet. In Texas, felony charges can hang over your head for six months to a year or more. Until they file, I can’t apply for a court-appointed attorney again. I’m stuck in this limbo, waiting for a felony charge to drop at any time with no legal support and no way to prepare for it.

I’ve had one previous run-in with the law, a misdemeanor for marijuana and paraphernalia when I was a minor. That was years ago. Since then, I’ve kept my head down, worked hard, and stayed out of trouble. I’m trying to do the right thing now too. I just want to be able to defend myself fairly and not have this one mistake ruin everything I’ve built.

I’m also a member of the Jewish community, and I’ve always believed in the value of justice, teshuva (repentance), and giving people a chance to make things right. I’m doing my best to live those values now, but I can’t do it alone.

I’m asking for help raising money to either hire a lawyer to monitor the case and protect me during this pre-filing period, or to be ready to retain a defense attorney the moment charges are filed. Every donation, no matter how small, will go directly to legal costs. If you can’t donate, I’d be so grateful if you’d share this with someone who might be able to help.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I never thought I’d have to make a post like this, but I’m doing everything I can to keep moving forward.

— Mason