Juvenile Possession Charges

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Missouri

I am 16 years old. Last night, to make a long story short, I was charged with the possession of Marijuana. The police confiscated an eighth of marijuana, a grinder, a glass pipe, and a dugout.

My arresting officer said that he would be sending "it", which I guess means my charges, to the Juvenille Court or something like that, and that they would take it from here basically...


Can anyone help me with what to expect, and what type of consequence I may get?

This is my First offense,and I make good grades. Only other big problem with the police was when I was caught trespassing into a nearby water park.

Thanks Again.

Your parents need too hire a lawyer for you ASAP.

If the police attempt to talk to you DO NOT speak to them. Only give them your name and your address.

DO NOT admit to anything.

They made it seem as though I am very lucky Im a minor. They said the review board or something would review it and see if they wanted to take further action. I would really like to know what all could happen to me so I can expect the worst. Right now I expect a childs peroll officer and a urine test, and a high priced ticket. Ive never had any issues with marijuana or any other drug and I've never been booked before.

If "parole" shows up on your next spelling test, spell it my way and keep your grades up. ;)

The worst, of course, is to be remanded to custody until you age out of the juvenile system. I wouldn't expect that to happen on these facts, but it is the worst.

Lol ya I know my spelling is horrible. Anyway I really appreciate your posts, After reading this forum for a while it appears that my consequence will be: Urine test, community service, fines, parole (hope thats how you spell it :)). Please let me know of any other sentance I may receive in the near future.

Parole normally refers to the system of supervision following your release from prison. So what you're actually hoping for is probation. (See - now I'm helping with your vocabulary test. ;)) Yes, that's a pretty common outcome for a 16-year-old's juvenile simple possession charge.

Oh yes thats right what am I thinking. What happense with probation and how does it work?

It depends upon what is ordered. Most of the time it involves monthly meetings with the probation officer. The meetings may be more or less frequent. In some cases a probation officer may make surprise visits to your home to see if you are complying with probation. In informal probation, it may be that the only follow-up is a court hearing after a specified period of time, where documentation is reviewed to see if you complied with probation.

I want to make a point.

Probation is not a "nothing" sentence that means you got away with it.

It means that the court has decided it is not in the COMMUNITY'S or your best interest to jail you.

Any further scrapes with the law... shoplifting, stealing, fighting, drinking.... and you can expect that decision to change.

Keep your nose clean. I mean CLEAN. Start going to band practice after school, helping serve dinner at the old folks home and helping your parents paint the house clean.