Any help or advice on legal services for evading the police?

I am a 21 year old man and just recently, I was involved in a police chase. While riding my motorcycle I was clocked by a police officer at 97mph. When I saw him behind me on the freeway, I panicked and drove faster. I panicked because my license was suspended do to missing a payment of my restitution. I had two driving without a license after it was suspended, two trucks taken from me and I was scared to lose another vehicle. I have a job with a school district and I am a full time student in a criminal justice program. I also have a girlfriend who I had planned on asking to marry me, although I am not exactly sure when. I took him two exits, then turned around and two exits back. I started pulling off the freeway and my engine blew, causing smoke and fire to my motorcycle. I was then very cooperative and the CHP officer even allowed me to sit in the front seat. I was in jail from 5-28-2011 until 6-2-2011. I was released on bail. My bail was $50,000 so ten percent at $5,000. I am being put up for Felony of evading the police and misdemeanor of reckless driving. When I spoke to my public defender, he told me that they have an offer for 1 year in county. He told me that he would be able to reduce that to 6 months in county or we can take it to trial and it can possibly be dismissed or I can spend time in a state prison. I was caught on camera running from the police but I have been told that even if it does go to trial I can get the time at least reduced. What are my best options at this point? I want to hire a defense attorney but I am unsure if that will end up being a waste of money or would it ultimately benefit me? Also, what can i do to ensure they are persuaded that I am trying my best to turn my ways around. I have no priors, and this is my first major offense. I will do community service, take driving classes, continue in school, as well as get another job to bring my financial situation to a better place. Any help or information would be appreciated tremendously. Thanks.