Drug Crimes, Substance Abuse Marijuana possession 2nd offense, 28 grams, paraphenalia

[Harryjanslinger]

I got pulled over last week for speeding and the cop found a pipe and 2 grams on me. He arrested me and took me to the local municipal court. I was given a $400 ticket for the weed and a $487 ticket for the pipe and was let free. 2 days passed and i was riding with my friends and we had an ounce in the car and a scale. I was pulled over for registration bc it was a day late and the cops immediately arrested my friends and i after smelling it. None of us claimed it so we were all held accountable. The car was under my name so Im guessing they will charge me with the full amount if no one claims it. Is this true or will the ounce or charges be split between my friends and i? basically should i claim it, or play dumb and say someone else (other than my friends) left it there?? In the county prison i was given a blue wristband which signified a misdemeanor so im not worrying about a felony or anything but what are my chances of getting some charges lessened for medical purposes? (i.e. "Im aware that marijuana is illegal in this state your honor but nothing else will stop the pain in my chronically sprained ankle besides prescription pain killers which are much more dangerous and addictive.") This is absolutely true and I am still attending physical therapy despite the fact that the injury was a year ago. also, what are my chances of receiving community service for some charges? my court date is tomorrow and it would be much appreciated if someone could lend advice. thank you!!

 

[fredrikklaw]

The book may be thrown at you!

I seriously suggest that you ask for a 30-day continuance which you will be given with no problem, and cite the reason as not having yet retained private counsel. But considering that you are being charged with only a misdemeanor, what the Hey!

And yes, in the case of no one else present in your car at the time of the stop claiming any interest in the Marijuana found, the ownership of the lot attaches to you as the owner of the vehicle. If you plead not guilty, the case will then be set for an Evidentiary Hearing at which time the judge will surely find enough to bind you over for trial. The next stage would be Trial Readiness Conference, and then onto the trial by jury itself, probably 6 months down the road. But keep this in mind, that should you take this to trial and lose, you will then be getting (supposedly) the maximum sentence as provided by the relevant criminal statute in your state.

But should you wish to cut matters short and be done with it, just remember to plead No Contest instead of pleading guilty and at this stage of the game it is almost a certainty that you can work-off whatever fine or restitution handed down to you by way community work (or service if you will).

All the best tomorrow and I'm sure you will choose the right option.

fredrikklaw