First Offense Marijuana Possession in Washington D.C.

My question involves criminal law for the state of: District of Columbia

So I live in DC and me and a few friends got caught the other day with about 6 grams between us....the cops took us in finger printed us and all. I have a court date set for February 20th but I do not know what will happen to me in DC since I just moved here. The officer arresting me said that I would not be sent to prison but would likely have the charges dropped or be fined....how much would I be fined though? and would I have to go on probation for a first offense to get my charges dropped? Will i get drug tested in court? Please help...this whole thing is stressing me out...horrible way to start second semester I am just very nervous on whether I can take the cops word for what he said and i have not been able to find a clear answer as to what will happen to me. My friends and I were very polite and cordial with the officers and even talked sports with them...so character will not be an issue ( for someone who got arrested at least) but I am very nervous about how much I will get fined, whether I will be put on probation etc.....probation or a large fine seems much for a first offense Marijuana charge

I'd recommend a lawyer. Possession can result in six months jail and $1000 fine but as the officer stated (you should always be leary of taking legal advice from the guy arresting you) jail is unlikely. If this is your first brush with the law, DC usually offers a diversion program where they'll put you on probation for a year and if you don't screw up, your charges will be dismissed. It WILL cost you money.

You think you should get a free pass on breaking the law? Probation is not "much", it gives you a second chance to avoid a criminal drug conviction. You'd be lucky to get it. The costs and fine are a deterrent to people like you who think that the laws don't apply to them.

The reason I got caught was because my idiot friend pulled out his vaporizer in a public neighborhood after I told him not to. I would never smoke marijuana in the open...we were heading to my uncle's house to smoke and then he pulled out his vape and got us searched. I know the law applies to me and that is why I always smoke where i know its safe ( like inside my friends or family's who consent to smokings house).My friend does not see why I am annoyed at him.

I would not worry about it. Since you are in DC, you are under federal laws, and Obama has already said that pot is no more harmful than booze and the feds have already said that they do not intend to prosecute personal use pot smokers.

If you were in someplace like FLorida it would be a different story.

Pot is on the fast track to be de criminalized anyway.

When you have two of the past three US presidents admit they smoked pot in college LOL the writing is on the wall for legalization.

Dick CHeney had two DUI's and Bush had one...

NADSAB you have no clue what you are talking about. You are not under Federal Law in DC (unless you were stopped on Federal, typically NPS property). If you were busted in some other part of the city by the MPD, you are subject to DC's law.

The fact you were cited is already indication that they are INTENDING to prosecute you.

Erovik13...What ended up happening? I'm in the exact same boat. My court date is in a week. Thanks!