Summoned to Court for a Drug Paraphernalia Charge

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Arizona

Was pulled over back in January by undercover cops. I was giving a friend a ride home and he wanted to stop and get some cash that was owed to him and .5 gram of speed, immediately we were pulled over after picking it up (apparently it was a high trafficking area that police patroled). We were both honest with the police officers about the situation and they let us go with no citation or any kind of documentation given. I had even forgotten my wallet at work and didn't have my drivers license or any form of ID on me. Fast forward 10 months, I receive a letter in the mail saying that I am hereby summoned and required to appear in court because the DA wants to pursue a case against me for a drug paraphernalia charge (class 1 misdemeanor).

I've never been in trouble with the law and now that I am just a few months away from sending in my application for medical school, I am kind of freaking out.

I have no experience with the court system so any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Todd

The first court appearance is likely to be the arraignment, in which you are formally advised of the charges against you and in which you enter your plea. The DA may offer you a plea deal at that time or might offer you the option of some kind of diversion program. Depending on the county, it may have a Drug Court program as a form of diversion. Particularly with medical school on the horizon, you probably ought to consult a criminal defense attorney for help to get the best outcome possible out of this. It’ll cost you some cash, but better than than possibly screwing up your medical career plans. And, by the way, I hope you stop going for drugs. Doctors with drug habits end up with all kinds of legal and other problems and can cause serious harm to their patients. You do not want to be one of those doctors.

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Quoting TODD9800

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My question involves criminal law for the state of: Arizona

Was pulled over back in January by undercover cops. I was giving a friend a ride home and he wanted to stop and get some cash that was owed to him and .5 gram of speed, immediately we were pulled over after picking it up (apparently it was a high trafficking area that police patroled).

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Wow! Imagine that! Your friend made a stop for dope and money ... high trafficking area ... good call on the part of the police, apparently.

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We were both honest with the police officers about the situation and they let us go with no citation or any kind of documentation given.

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Lucky, lucky, you!

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I had even forgotten my wallet at work and didn't have my drivers license or any form of ID on me. Fast forward 10 months, I receive a letter in the mail saying that I am hereby summoned and required to appear in court because the DA wants to pursue a case against me for a drug paraphernalia charge (class 1 misdemeanor).

I've never been in trouble with the law and now that I am just a few months away from sending in my application for medical school, I am kind of freaking out.

I have no experience with the court system so any help would be greatly appreciated.

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Consult legal counsel immediately. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you.

Oh, and if you have a drug problem, DEAL WITH IT! If you don't, and simply have poor choice in friends, DUMP THEM. This is the kind of thing that could get you booted from med. school and cause you to lose a job after you are done.