Possession of cannibus/possession drug paraphenalia (Florida)

[RavenAngel]

State: Florida

My son got charged with Count 1 possession of cannibus, under 20 grams & Count 2 possession of drug paraphenalia (pipe). These were in glove compartment in his car. As I understand since it was in his car, it would be considered his. (doesn't matter that his 4 friend in the car were contributors in the purchase, therefore technically it was all of theirs) Anyway, he stupidly took the rap for it, rather than "ratting". He just turned 18 one month prior to this. Two of the other four were 17 and two were 18...none of them got anything, not phone calls to parents of the "minors", nothing.
At the first "hearing", that an attorney friend of mine attended for him the DA offered two options. 1) plea of no contest in exchange for withheld adjudication, plus court cost (approx. $240)or 2) transfer case to drug court and the case will be dropped after successfully completing all drug court requirements. basic reqs. include 6 month program (located 1/2 hour away), a monthly court apprearance before drug court presiding Judge and fees and costs (approx $275)

Trying to keep this short, but...
He seems to be leaning toward option 1, since up till his graduation from HS he's been in my custody and has not seen his dad since last summer (he usually goes to PA for couple weeks every summer)... With Option 2, he would not be able to do this.

I want him to do option 2 so it won't be on his record, since they say it will be dropped after completion, but the other way is quicker and easier and won't cost gas money. (we're on assistance and don't have the gas $)

This is tearing me apart because I don't know what to do and now he's 18 and will make his own decision. He's not a bad kid, really and doesn't get in any other trouble. I want him to learn a lesson, which I believe he did, but.....

Since this was offered by the Assistant State Attorney, would these be his only options? Or it says if he doesn't want these options he could schedule case for trial. Would that make any difference? If this would've happened a month prior he would've been 17 and things would probably be different. I feel helpless and confused. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated, as he goes back to court in 3 days. (I can provide more info if necessary)
Thanks in advance

[able1]

Ask if option one will be off his record completely at some point. They can guarantee that if they wish...

If not take option 2.

Frankly the prosecutor is being helpful here...