Youngen

A couple of days ago I got stopped at a checkpoint and the cops gave me a ticket for having less than a half an ounce and some perafinilia. I don't know if I need a lawyer or not but to tell you the truth I don't have the money for one. Plus I need to know how this is going to affect me and school because I get a grant in order to go to school. Could someone help me?

Buzzby

How old are you? Where do you live? What kind of school do you go to? What kind of grant are you receiving?

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Youngen

I'm 18, I live in NC and i go to a community college, and I was recieving a pell grant

mondaymonkey

First: did you admit guilt? Did you SAY that was yours?

2nd: DID YOU let the cop search your car volenterily? If so, your an idiot. If you denied him, did he get a warrent, or give you a reasonable suspicion for search?

If you followed the above two things, your lawyer could pounce you and get you off by mistrial.

BartSimpson

Which law school did you get your GED from?

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Buzzby

Possession of less than half an ounce is a misdemeanor with a maximum $200 fine and 30 days in jail, but the jail is almost always suspended. The paraphernalia charge is also a misdemeanor with a maximum 6 month jail term. I can't find what the fine might be.

The biggest problem you're likely to face is with your Pell grant. If convicted, you would be ineligible for a year. It might be worth it to consult with a lawyer to see if there would be any way to avoid that.

joshpackr

You should do some reading here. It appears that you will be ineligible for one year if you are convicted of these offenses. It does say that you can complete an "acceptable drug rehabilitation program" then become eligible again. Sounds like a pretty shitty deal but free money from Uncle Sam for higher education is worth the hassle IMO.

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"Imagination disposes of everything; it creates beauty, justice, and happiness, which are everything in this world."
-Blaise Pascal

Youngen

Well I really don't have money for a lawyer. Is there a chance that a public defender can help me get out of this? My parents don't know about all of this so I'm trying really hard to settle this myself.

BartSimpson

It is fairly standard practice to settle this for yourself - no need for a private attorney, and most likely no need for the public defender. There is some need to do your homework, college boy!

Option 1:

Prior to the court date you can call the Clerk of the Court and ask about *whatever acronym* first offender program is offered by this Court - which usually involves attending some classes. Sometimes you just go to the Courthouse and the Court Clerks window to pay the fee, sign the form and get the deferral (Judges don't like to waste their time with these kind of routine turn-key matters so appearance is not necessary).

Option 2:

You go to Court and approach the District Attorney who handles these matters, ask him for a moment and ask if he/she will accept *whatever acronym* first offender program that is offered by this Court. Days before you do this, college boy, you will need to go to the courtroom that handles these matters and watch what goes on (homework). This might require you to find out what day of the week and when they handle this sort of matter (it is not all day every day - but certain days certain times). You will be much more comfortable talking to the DA after you know what is going on - and you will see a dozen dudes in your shoes so to speak (makes you feel better).

About telling your parents . . . seriously, trying to hide this from your parents is going to be a disaster. My recommendation is you ask your Dad to take a walk with you - and then tell him what happened and how you (having done your homework) are going to do Option 1 or Option 2. Tell him you are going to Man-up and deal with this - like a college boy.

It is very important you tell your Dad that your responsible and more importantly that you are going to handle it. Put those big-boy pants on and get it done. Hiding stuff from your parents is what you did 5 years ago - your a man and time to act like one. Your parents will likely be a great source of support and - honestly - somewhat proud that you have become a man, because taking care of business is what men do.

Good luck - and if you have a moment, tell us more about this "checkpoint". I am sure a number of your peers will be interested and learn something that might prevent their experiencing the embarrassment in the future that your are now.

704HauserStreet

Ouch