First Time Possession of Drugs in Michigan

Hello, I was recently arrested for possession of Marijuana.

I had a little less than a quarter ounce, in two separate baggies. And all the expected paraphernalia. No scale or anything of the sort, I'm no dealer.

I am charged with Possession, and have an arraignment on the first of February.

I was smoking in my dorm room at south western michigan college, cass county michigan, and my roommate turned me in. Real good guy, I know.

The cops came, and asked if I knew the dealer. Without thinking, I said yes. I realized right after how stupid that was, but to late to do anything about that now.

I really don't understand anything about the legal system, and have called a couple lawyers, one said to plead not-guilty and the other guilty. I don't know what to do, and any advice would be appreciated.

I am also incredibly nervous about what will happen to me, I really don't want to go to jail here, you know?

If you're charged with simple possession, you'll want to see if you can get deferred sentencing under MCL 333.7411. And try to remember in the future that just because you're in college doesn't mean that your roommates will be either understanding or tolerant of drug use or even of underage alcohol use.

Thank you for the advice, it's much appreciated. I don't like how he's underaged and drinks all the time, but god forbid I smoke a little pot. But whatever.

I want to know what I should plead? Guilty, not guilty or no contest? What do I say to the judge? "I plead not guilty and ask for deferred sentencing under MCL 333.7411 or to be given HYTA status?"

His alcohol will not make you fail a drug test. Your issue, on the other hand, will make him fail a drug test.

While I am not defending underage drinking....

Pot is illegal no matter what age. And it makes the whole room (and neighboring rooms) stink. Seriously, smokers of both cigarettes and marijuana do not realize how you can make an entire 6-apartment unit smell like your tobacco/whacky tobaccy. Plus the "contact buzz" factor. While roomie is not in the right (underage drinking), he is not affecting your health, or making your entire room and dorm area smell.

Doesn't Michigan have a law against smoking in many occupied buildings anyway (even tobacco)? Yep.....

My advice...change roommates, find another person who smokes pot and see about changing rooms. Smoke it outside....but expect to get busted anyway....again, MJ is illegal.....

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Quoting PandorasBox

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While I am not defending underage drinking....

Pot is illegal no matter what age. And it makes the whole room (and neighboring rooms) stink. Seriously, smokers of both cigarettes and marijuana do not realize how you can make an entire 6-apartment unit smell like your tobacco/whacky tobaccy. Plus the "contact buzz" factor. While roomie is not in the right (underage drinking), he is not affecting your health, or making your entire room and dorm area smell.

Doesn't Michigan have a law against smoking in many occupied buildings anyway (even tobacco)? Yep.....

My advice...change roommates, find another person who smokes pot and see about changing rooms. Smoke it outside....but expect to get busted anyway....again, MJ is illegal.....

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You didn't even answer the questions. You just reminded someone that Marijuana is illegal (I think if somehow he didn't know that before, he/she definitely knows that now). I don't know why posts like that are even tolerated in a legal advice forum.

OP, Mr. Knowitall had the only helpful response. If that doesn't cut it for you, I would see an actual attorney because you won't be getting help here unfortunately!

I'm not a lawyer but from the advice I've been given: it's almost always better to plead not guilty, ESPECIALLY on a first (and minor) offense. If you plead guilty, the judge will automatically sentence you. And you cannot predict with any certainty what that will mean and it's an automatic conviction. Even if the sentencing isn't severe (probation probably) then you still have a conviction on your record, not just an arrest.

I would say get some sort of state-appointed attorney if you have to. Or find a lawyer with a free consultation and at least ask what you should do. Don't take these peoples' words for it, assuming you're lucky enough to actually talk to an attorney on here and not some armchair know-it-all lawyer with a stick up their ass because their lives are shitty.

OP, I caution you the person who just gave you advice, has by his own admission, has and likely plans on, continuing to make more poor choices. He was offended that he did not have a cheering section.