Marijuana.com

jayjay0929

I was busted in CA for smokin last night and was given a citation(posession of MJ) which included a court date. I had about 2 gs on me and my pipe which i got back. I was wondering what my options are as far as paying the fine. Do i have to wait for the date given or can i just go to the court and get this garbage off my hands. I shouldnt get anything more than a fine should I? 1st time being cited ever. I heard you can be very pleasant and proper with the judges and sometimes they will let you off a lil easier. Any of this true?

 

troublemaker_42

The usual punishment is a $100 fine for poss. of less than an oz. I'd just pay it and be done with it.

BartSimpson

You will not be able to immediately deal with it, because it will take time for the Court to process the matter. But you can call the Clerk of the Court and find out the exact amount you will be required to pay.

It is a $100 fine, but it cost a lot more than that to process the paperwork so the State has authorised the Courts to add on a fee - $210 in my County - to administer the paperwork. (Therefore your total fine is $310)

You are placed on Bench Probation for a period of one year in which you should NOT be cited again in that period. No reporting, just be good.

And finally, California, like many other states, offers a means to erase this from your record following completion of probation - check out California Penal Code 1203.4; it sets aside the guilty verdict and enters not-guilty. You are then legally able to not report the conviction on job applications or other such things.

The important thing is to rethink your MJ practices and keep it on the down-low for at least a year. Don't toke in cars, public spaces, or in large groups such as parties - just smoke at home or at a friends secure house with very limited number of people.