Drug Charges, Minors in the Car
My question involves criminal law for the state of: Florida
I was recently arrested and charged with the following:
893.13(1)(a) - Possession of marijuana with intent to sell/distribute
893.147(1) - Possession of paraphernalia
827.04(1)(a) - Contributing to the delinquency of a minor
I had 2 younger friends with me, 16 and 17, but they were allowed to call their parents and leave, even though they had their own contraband (cigarettes, about 3grams of marijuana combined, and a pipe).
My car was seized, along with my camera (which had a picture of a bud on it, the officer wasted no time in scrolling through), my wallet which had money, my debit card, Drivers license, and SS card, also my keys were taken. This was all property seized, not left at the jail while I was in holding. I was also told that my brand new not even paid for $2000 camera was to be destroyed after it was done being used as evidence. I currently have no access to any of my money because the police have my personal belongings. During the search, I was repeatedly insulted, belittled, and mocked. I even saw two of them high-five each other during the whole ordeal, but I guess that's standard police protocol is it not?
I had under 6 grams of weed, a bowl, and a scale on me.
The felony charge of intent/distribution stemmed from me having my weed in a bag and having that scale. Wouldn't that constitute as paraphernalia if it is under 20 grams?
Also, did the officers have the right to seize my camera just for the picture on there? I thought that would be considered protected under the 1st amendment, being that it's a picture and not physical evidence. Besides that, it was a picture of the weed they arrested me for.
This is my first offense, I'm 19 years old, is there ANY way I can get this reduced? I can't afford a felony. Also, would I be able to utilize my two friends as witnesses? I doubt I can afford an attorney but I know I'm going to need one. I need all the information I can use in my defense and perhaps against the arresting officers.
Re: Was I Falsely Charged? Charge Reduction?
The officers found you, by all appearances a drug dealer, drugs and scale at hand, hanging out with minors and you expected them to be nice to you? Sure, that could have happened, but is it what you would have expected?
You do need a lawyer. If you can't afford one, request a court-appointed lawyer.