ashlee lynn x0

So my preliminary hearing for my possession/paraphernalia charge is tomorrow, and my parents, being supportive, told me that they were going to drive up to my college town to be there for me. And I was fine with that.

So I call them earlier tonight to figure out when they're gonna get here, and when they're leaving (they're bringing my boyfriend with) so I know when to be ready and whatnot.

So I talk to my parents, and they put my younger sister on the phone to say goodnight (she's 11). I tell her I'll see her this weekend (I commute home to work) and she says that she'll see me tomorrow... A little confused I ask her why. She said she's coming to the hearing...

My parents get back on the phone, and it turns into this huge argument as to why she's coming, why I don't think she should be here, etc.

Personally, I don't think an 11-year old should be exposed firsthand to something like this. She's a very emotional little girl, and I think all it's gonna do is damage her, but my parents don't see it my way. I feel like I'm being used as an example and it's basically saying to her, "Your sister screwed up, now here's what happens."

Can anyone else see why I'm so frustrated?

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dk15

Yeah, that sucks. I wouldn't agree with my parents bringing a sibling as young as that to one of my court hearings for using an (however harmless it is, kids don't know this and are exposed to all sorts of propaganda) illegal drug.

$moKeDanK

yeah i see what u mean, i wouldnt want my little sister having to do with any of my legal trouble. i would of prefered my little sister not even know about it, but she ended up finding out hearing my mom talk about it.

ashlee lynn x0

That's what happened in this situation. She overheard bits and pieces of the conversation and that's the only reason she was told.

And yeah, I mean that I understand, but I just wish my parents would've told me that she was coming instead of me having to find out because she slipped up 12 hours before the actual hearing...

She's just a very emotional little girl, and i don't think it's a setting she needs to be in. I'm stressed enough so as it is.

the_hitman

Actually, i think it will be good for your sister to have first hand experience in this sort of an issue. You never understand the legal system until you're standing in front of a judge. The fact that she will see what is happening to you will probably educate her well beyond anything she can read about. Maybe this will teach her to be careful if she ever smokes pot, at the very least.

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dk15

Just relax about the whole thing, its only your first offense and stressing about it isn't going to help anything. I got caught at school with "7 pipes" (bong, vape, ect.), a scale, beer, and multiple 10/20 baggies I had saved up from different pickups and I'm still here to tell about it. At worst, you'll get a fine and some stupid drug classes and at best, you'll get put on school-probation where you just can't afford to get caught again. Not gonna turn out to be too big of a deal really, just blaze in more private areas and don't make an ass of yourself in front of the wrong person/in public and in 2 months you won't even think twice about the ordeal.

ashlee lynn x0

Well, I have 6 counts of paraphernalia and 2 counts of possession against me, which sucks, but my public defender said I'll get on the ARD program. I've already taken a drug class through my school and had to do 20 hours of community service for them, but I have no idea what the outcome from the hearing is gonna be. They said my fines could be up to $1500 and up to a year on probation. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I stress easily.

meet the decline

that sucks, i'd be pissed too. i hate when parents use one sibling as an example for the younger ones. i guess all you can really do is try to look on the positive side. maybe talk to her yourself, make sure she isn't scared. explain to her that there are consequences to her every action, to be careful about what she does in the future etc. not "drugs are bad mmkay."
...anything coming from her older sibling will mean more, she probably looks up to you

oh and good luck at your hearing, hope it goes in your favor

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ashlee lynn x0

I know she looks up to me, which is why I'm skeptical about her being there tomorrow. I just feel like a child at her age shouldn't be present at a hearing like this.

And thanks, I hope all goes well too.

meet the decline

yeah, i'm with you there, 11 is really young :\