Michigan Marijuana Possession, First Offense
My question involves criminal law for the state of: Michigan
in washtenaw county
So I got caught with 4 grams of marijuana in my dorm room. The officer said he seen me smoking out of my window. This was impossible because I was sleeping. This was at 4 am. The officer came to my room and bitched me out and said i was smoking and he could smell it outside. I just complied because I had marijuana in my room and else he would assume I was lying. Then they asked me if i had alcohol and i complied and they took 4 fifths of vodka. They didn't exactly say if they were going to charge me with an mip though. I didn't receive any paper citations or anything, but I think that it's because of it being campus police.
I'm a good student at university of michigan with no prior history.
I wasn't actually smoking in my room. Do you think the officer would lie like it may have been a setup or something at 4am? He said it like he really believed that he seen me smoking out of my window.
How much would it averagely cost in fines?
Do I need a lawyer or can I get a public defender? Not sure if I can afford one
I'm sure I will go through a diversion program. Will it ever go on my record?
Is there a way I can fight some part of it with the fact that I wasn't actually smoking if i could possibly prove it?
Also I myself don't have very much money. How much do you think it would cost to get an attorney?
Do you think I could get a public defender? is it worth getting a public defender?
I've saved up about 5k, but I still have to pay for school and I'm a college student. I'm listed as dependents of my parents for financial aid and they don't really have any money either. i have an efc of 0.
Re: Michigan Marijuana Possession, First Offense
Consult a local lawyer about a "7411" disposition (MCL 333.7411). If you cannot afford a lawyer, see if you can get a court-appointed lawyer.
Crimes do go on your criminal record. If you get a 7411 disposition you'll have a deferred sentence and the opportunity to avoid a conviction if you complete your term of probation.
I would not be even slightly concerned about using a public defender for this type of charge, particularly in a county like yours.