First Time Drug Paraphernalia Charge

[hellofriend]

We where smoking in a park when the cops came and i decided to try to swallow the blunt but the cop told me to spit it out which i did. The cop only charged me with a drug paraphernalia charge which is a misdemeanor, which is better then what he said he could have charged me, destroying evidence which is a FELONY.

I have already researched the maximum consequence i could get which is only a
$500 fine. My question is can i still plead no contest, or should i just plead not guilty. I don't think i can plead not guilty seeing as i was caught red handed and still not given the felony charge. also, does any one know when they offer a deferred sentence. is it before if i am asked if i want to plead guilty or not, or do i have to request it to the judge?.

thank you.

[ashman165]

What's the rest of your criminal history look like. You say this is your first paraphernalia charge . . . are there other drug-related crimes not involving paraphernalia for which you have some history?

Or is this the absolute first thing you've ever been charged with?

Also, the state in which you live would be helpful for determining what, if any, deferment programs offered in your state.

[hellofriend]

What's the rest of your criminal history look like. You say this is your first paraphernalia charge . . . are there other drug-related crimes not involving paraphernalia for which you have some history?

Or is this the absolute first thing you've ever been charged with?

Also, the state in which you live would be helpful for determining what, if any, deferment programs offered in your state.

no, this is my ABOSULTE FIRST. nothin is even on my record, besides this if this goes through.
and i live in maryland.

also should i plead guilty, or no contest?.
what would be the difference?.
thank you

[cdwjava]

What state are you in? And, what statutes are you charged with violating?

- Carl

[hellofriend]

What state are you in? And, what statutes are you charged with violating?

- Carl

i live in maryland and statues is 53550 section 5619C1

don't plead not guilty.that's just stupid.Are you a juvenile?Have you ever been arrested before?If not, just get a public defender. And be weary of cops.Even if he told you hes not charging you with destruction of evidence, there's always a possibility he's hatching something. Just be ready.

No im not a juvenile im 18, and no, i have NEVER gotten arrested before, this would be the absolute first thing on my record. i have already gone in for a public defender but they told me they could not appoint me one, because my charges did not carry and jail time so they couldn't appointment me one.

[aaron]

I suggest consulting a local criminal defense lawyer (shoot for a free consultation) to find out whether there are any first offender programs available in your county that, if successfully completed, will allow you to avoid a conviction. (There may be information about that type of program on your county court's website or on the county prosecutor's website, but the absence of information on their websites doesn't of itself mean that first offender programs are not available.)

[hellofriend]

I suggest consulting a local criminal defense lawyer (shoot for a free consultation) to find out whether there are any first offender programs available in your county that, if successfully completed, will allow you to avoid a conviction. (There may be information about that type of program on your county court's website or on the county prosecutor's website, but the absence of information on their websites doesn't of itself mean that first offender programs are not available.)

thank you. ill look into it.