First Offense Possession of Marijuana

**epolice** · 09-20-2007, 05:09 PM

I live in Massachusetts.

I am 17, got caught in Boston with a gram or two on me of marijuana. It is my first offense.

I have a hearing set for some time in October. I have the option (I believe) to go with my parents or by myself. If I go by myself instead of with my parents would that effect the outcome of my hearing? I am looking at community service or it being dismissed I am told.

Also do they send something in the mail giving more info or do I just show up when the guy told me to.

Also my buddy got caught with em but he was only 16 so the officer just let him go without anything...does that make my case not legit?

**aaron** · 09-20-2007, 05:58 PM

This is juvenile court?

**epolice** · 09-20-2007, 06:08 PM

Boston Municipal Court...so idno

**aaron** · 09-20-2007, 06:13 PM

When you find out, let us know.

**epolice** · 09-20-2007, 07:01 PM

im pretty sure its not juvenille

**BOR** · 09-21-2007, 02:43 AM

Quoting epolice

im pretty sure its not juvenille

Some research has revealed MA is one of about 12 states that codify a 17 year old as an adult for criminal prosecution purposes. They do not have to be bound over to adult court since they are not defined as a juvenile. I already knew Georgia is one of those states from past research some time ago, so decided to try to find some more info on this subject.

Even if a juvenile, binding a defendant over is usually for serious felonies, and from what I found, that age is 15.

Your case is before the proper court.

If it is your first offense, a gram is surely under a "bulk" amount, that is if MA defines possession as such for a serious charge, so you can ask for some type of leniency and first offender program.

**epolice** · 09-21-2007, 03:21 AM

Last question, do I need a lawyer?

**BOR** · 09-21-2007, 03:31 AM

Quoting epolice

Last question, do I need a lawyer?

It is always in the best interest of a defendant to have adequate and effective legal representation.

If you can not afford an attorney one will be appointed for your by the court if you plead not guilty, that is if there exists a possible jail sentence by law. Any crime punishable by a money fine only, a state is not required to appoint counsel, if I am not mistaken.