Misdemeanor Drug Charge For Juvenile In Pennsylvania
Hi everyone, I would just like to say I know near to nothing about the legal system, I am 17 and have previously never fell afoul of the law.
A few months ago I was on my way home from work and it was rush hour, I am a very safe driver, however I drove through a yellow light which turned red as I entered the intersection. Rather than stopping I continued through as the safest course of action.
I was pulled over, when pulling over I drove slowly to the next available parking lot as there was no shoulder to pull onto, and I did not wish to seem as if i was evading arrest.
The police officer asked to see my license and registration which I promptly showed him. My car smells slightly of cigars as my good friend smokes them and I dont mind the smell. The police officer profiled me on the spot and seeing my dreadhawk asked me if I was smoking marijuana and then asked me to step out of the car and after making me stand at the back of my car with another police officer he searched my car. He found a marijuana blunt in my car somewhere(I dont know where but obviously not in the open)
The car was actually purchased a few months previously in my fathers name with my money and it was a possibility that it was "stashed" somewhere inside the car when I bought it.
I was put into handcuffs and my person was searched. There were no obvious lumps on me. Not surprisingly after searching me and my car again no more marijuana was found.
They got my personal information from me, including social security number. They mentioned that I was obviously high because of the way I pulled my car over. By this time I was shaking uncontrollably from being in handcuffs. It was a uncontrollable fear of confinement. They took this as further "proof" of my guilt.
They told me Id recieve a letter in the mail which I did a month later. It said I was guilty of possession of "marijuana/Hashish" and "ignoring traffic signals" It said a probation officer would contact me. However none did. I finally called a month later and scheduled an appointment for a meeting with him.
I dont have the money for a lawyer and neither does my father. My father doesnt have the best oppinion of me either and would just as likely swear against me as for me in the court of law.
Should I accept the probation officers offer, pay 100 dollar fine do some community service and go on probation to avoid the hassle of a court and the court costs that go along with it?
And if I plead not guilty and attempt to get free legal aid, where should i make my stand?
The possession?
The possibly illegal search and seizure?
THe lack of a citation or anything of that nature?
Thanks in advance and hope you guys can help.
Re: Legal Help Pennsylvania Juvenile Misdemeanor
You are not an adult and need to get your parent(s) involved as you need to consult an attorney. If you can't afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you.
You said you were "guilty of possession of.." did you plead to this, see a judge? It appears that something is missing as you went from search to probation and then asked what to plead.
They took their "proof" from the blunt that they found not by your actions. So did the officer let you go? Drive away in the car if he thought you were high? Maybe I'm missing something!
Re: Legal Help Pennsylvania Juvenile Misdemeanor
Quote:
Quoting
gigirle
You are not an adult and need to get your parent(s) involved as you need to consult an attorney. If you can't afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you.
You said you were "guilty of possession of.." did you plead to this, see a judge? It appears that something is missing as you went from search to probation and then asked what to plead.
They took their "proof" from the blunt that they found not by your actions. So did the officer let you go? Drive away in the car if he thought you were high? Maybe I'm missing something!
Id rather not get my parents involved of course, however my dad knows and I will bring him to the trial with me. I also said neither me or my family could afford a lawyer. I do have a mutual fund i could open that i started when i was 16 but I'd rather not as this seems to be an easy case to fight.
They do not seem to be following protocol from the little that I know. And no I did not plead guilty. I repeatedly said in front of the officer that I didnt know where it came from. (When he found it and brought it over to show me, my first reaction was to ask him if he pulled that out of his pocket. It was pretty dumb to say but all the other officers got a laugh)
And no I did not see a judge. They scheduled a meeting with a probation officer for a month from yesterday. I allready talked to him on the phone however and know what the terms offered are going to be. One of them is probation for 6 months with random blood testing (I Hate needles so Im not crazy about that)
Now my question is should i accept the terms and save myself the time effort and money involved in fighting it or should I fight this and if i do what point should I fight.
Re: Legal Help Pennsylvania Juvenile Misdemeanor
As I said earlier, you need to tell your parents so you can get an attorney!You don't seem to be worried about the charges you are facing probably bc you don't know exactly what it is. Do you know if it is something that can be expunged and kept as a juvenile or are you facing adult charges? This is something that could stay on your record. I find it odd that your father hasn't been notified to come with you to court as you are a minor.
I know it maybe uncomfortable for you and hinder the relationship you have with your father, but this isn't something you want on your record espically if your innocent. You also may have a hard time retaining an attorney as you are a minor.
Re: Legal Help Pennsylvania Juvenile Misdemeanor
Just one other thing to remember, a drug possession charge will result in a 6 month suspension of your driving privilege in PA. The smart move would be to seek a court appointed attorney or talk to the local bar about legal aid. (reduced attorney fees for people who's income qualify)
You do not want a drug possession charge on your record, especially if they charge you as an adult. It will close a lot of doors later in life. This is NOT an easy charge to fight so get your parents involved ASAP!