Drug Crimes, Substance Abuse misdemeanor poss. of cannabis

[bigredfour]

I was charged with poss.of less than 20 grams of cannabis and given a court date. I have never been charged with a crime before,do i need an attorney ? , What kind of fines can i expect to pay and can I lose my drivers license?

 

[raskalnikov]

It varies a great deal geographically of what you should do. It varies not just by State, but by county.

It wouldn't hurt to talk to an attorney. Ask around, or call, see if you can talk with them. Most good attorneys will do this for free.

Are you a college student?

How old are you?

Was this written out as a Misdemeanor or a Civil Infraction?

 

[bigredfour]

No i am not a student and i am 44 . The florida statute # is 89313. I contacted an attorney and his flat rate for defending me was between 1000 and 2500 dollars. From what i've read the maximum fine is 1000 and i really cant afford that much less 2500 to an attorney plus the fine.

 

[raskalnikov]

The problem is, you may be sentenced to testing. So, it's misleading as far the maximum fines go. You may be sentenced to pay for counseling, as well as periodic drug testing. You may have community service.

Or, you may be given a fine and court costs, but no other penalty.

When you go in for arraignment, after you plead not guilty (which you should do) you should then ask for a court appointed attorney.


Anxiety is a huge part of the cost of being a defendant in such cases. There's a huge range of things that can happen.

Good Luck.

 

[bigredfour]

I should plead " not guilty" ? Is this so i can have a court appointed attorney? And by the way, Thanks for all your input.

 

[raskalnikov]

Your welcome.

You plead not guilty so you can get an attorney, also, so it gives you time to talk with the prosecutor and work out some kind of plea deal. Everyone pleads not guilty, it won't upset the Judge if you later plead guilty or anything like that.