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My question involves criminal law for the state of: Missouri
Last night I got pulled over for failer to turn on my headlights and got a possession of drug paraphernalia ticket as I had a marijuana pipe in my car. This is my first time being caught and I'm afraid that I might lose my license. Can anyone tell me what might happen?
Your lawyer?
I would be interested to know how they got from pulling you over for having your headlights off to finding drug paraphernalia. (Was it in "plain view" when they pulled you over or did they search? If it was a search, did you consent to the search? If not, what was their probable cause?) Those are things your lawyer might be able to use to try to challenge the traffic stop.
Also, you need to find out if there are any programs for first offenders in your area that could allow you to avoid a conviction. That could depend upon your county, your age, the nature of the paraphernalia.... But if such an option is available, it's worth exploring.
If you're convicted you're most likely looking at fines, probation with drug testing, and possibly community service. I don't see an automatic suspension for a paraphernalia charge, but (a) sometimes those provisions are hidden in other statutes, and (b) I don't know the exact charge that has been filed against you.