Possession of Marijuana and Driving on Suspended License
My question involves criminal law for the state of: Georgia, USA
Hello Everyone.
Basic Details:
I'm 17 years old.
I recently visited a County jail in Georgia for Possession of Marijuana and Driving on a Suspended License.
I spent about 8-9 Days in Jail (including the booking period).
I have a Court Date on June 4th.
Story:
I got pulled over by a County Officer as a random search for guns in the vehicle (someone was apparently riding around shining for deer and shots were fired) and when he pulled me over he saw that I had some marijuana leaves and stems on my leg, he asked me to step out the vehicle and he proceeded to put me in handcuffs. He then proceeded to search the car, but I didn't have anything on me. He asked if I had my license and I said I didn't have it on me, so he searched me and it so happened that my License was suspended. :wallbang:
The reason behind my license being suspended was that I was withdrawn from school, but I had no idea that my license was suspended.
Since then I have been doing homeschool for the 2 credits I need to be a senior next year, and I have been doing community service hours.
Question:
What would be the worst case scenario as to my charges in court?
Any questions feel free to ask, not sure what information to put on here.
Re: Possession of Marijuana and Driving on Suspended License
You need a lawyer. If you are indigent and can not afford one, ask for one at your court appearance. The stop is likely legitimate given an articulable suspicion that criminal activity had taken place. The fact that you had drugs in plain view gave them more than enough probable cause for arrest. The law will not buy your "I didn't know I was suspended." It is presumed that you know that dropping out of school results in a license suspension. Most likely the DMV did notify you.
The driving on suspension is 2 days mandatory jail (which you most likely will get credit for what you already served), $500 fine (plus costs), and six months additional suspension.
Worst case on the drug conviction is $1000 and a year in jail.
Re: Possession of Marijuana and Driving on Suspended License
I have a clean record, as is this is my first offense. I never got a letter in the mail inquiring that my license had been suspended, so I figured I could get away with driving. Sadly, I was mistaken.
Thanks for the quick response!
Re: Possession of Marijuana and Driving on Suspended License
Tell your lawyer you want time served . . .