Marijuana Possession Charge in Florida

Hi,

I've been looking through these posts to find one similar but no luck...I was recently caught with a pipe, and marijuana residue. I was not arrested but was given a court date. This is my first offense. What are the possible punishments? Also, should I get a lawyer for this or use the public defender? I live in Martin county and from what I hear, the judges are pretty strict. Thanks for any advice you can give. Oh, by the way, I'm legal-34 years old.

Thanks!

For a first offense, the most likely outcome is probation, fines and possibly community service. For drug offenses a driver's license suspension is now a typical consequence. Talk to a lawyer, as many jurisdictions offer first offender programs for drug charges which could let you avoid a conviction. (A public defender is a lawyer.)