Taking the Rap for a Friend's Marijuana

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Iowa

A few weeks ago I went on a little one day trip to Iowa to visit a friend. I'm 17, I had an 18 year old with me and a 15 year old. Driving my car, as well.

On our way back home we were pulled over for the 15 year old not wearing a seat belt the 18 year old was driving and had Marijuana on him and threw it to me to hide under the drivers seat, which I did and wasn't able to hide very well, and then the cop asked to see all our licenses and what not. The 18 year old didn't have his license and it was expired, so they had to go through a whole process getting that sorted out. The cop pulled me out to ask me a question about my license, and then he asked me if there was anything illegal in the car. I said no, and he asked if he could search the car and I said no to that. They brought in a K-9 unit and searched the car and found the bag I hid under the drivers seat and a small pipe, and a small bag under the passenger seat where the 15 year old was sitting.

The Marijuana wasn't mine, and from what I understand there was less than 3 grams combined in both bags. We were taken into custody, the 18 year old was charged with the expired license. The 15 year old and I were both charged with possession of a controlled substance, and I was also charged with possession of paraphernalia.

After explaining all this, I'm still shaken up as to what exactly is going to happen to me. I'm 17 but am turning 18 in almost 2 months. This is my first run-in with the law ever. What am I facing with possible jail time? Could I get the charges dropped? Or be eligible for parole?

Thanks for your help.

Possession has nothing to do with ownership. The fact that you took part in concealing the stuff pretty much makes most defenses unlikely. You may be eligible for a conditional discharge. You need a lawyer. Jail isn't likely but a fine and possibly probation. You can also kiss your driver's license away for a year.