Second Citation for Possession of Paraphernalia in Florida

[fl mom 02]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Florida

As a juvenile, I was cited for possession of paraphernalia. I successfully completed an intervention program for this charge. When I turned 18, that charge went away.

Just before I turned 20, I was pulled over for a tail light out, and charged with possession of paraphernalia and pot (a piece of a stem!). I tried an intervention program, but was VOPed when I didn't pass a drug test. They put me on probation.

I was a month away from early terminating my probation, for those two offenses, when I was pulled over (one year from last time) and ticketed for possession of paraphernalia again.

I'll be 21 soon, what is the possible punishment?

For more than a year, I've been trying to get into the military; what effect will all of this have on my enlisting?

The kicker is, the last two citations... the stuff wasn't mine; it belonged to someone else. It just happened to be in my car.

Thank you for your help.

[free9man]

I would say your enlistment odds are falling more and more with every charge. The paraphernalia was in your vehicle, that makes it legally yours. The fact you couldn't even stay clean to try and help yourself out will not look good to a recruiter. On the other hand, if you get a desperate enough recruiter maybe they can figure something out.

[fl mom 02]

What might be the legal out come of this? Might they extend my probation, send me to jail or suspend my driving license?

I've looked online for a legal "flow chart" for Florida, haven't been able to find one that is comprehensive.

free9man - Thank you for your reply.

[PandorasBox]

I think it is very possible your probation will be extended. Then again, I have read many articles on Florida being tough with drugs - some people have said a little maryjane can equal some time in the Gray Bar Motel.

Your military enlistment...your record is saying a screaming "NO". Since you can't stay clean enough to get through probation. And you still hang out with druggies (though even a judge won't believe the "It was my friends stuff in my car" line - that is sooo commonly used, and who really leaves their MJ or pipe behind?) . You really think the Military is going to trust you with weapons, vehicles, and other peoples lives?

[fl mom 02]

PandorasBox - Thank you for your reply.

I have been working hard on this. Finally, I got a probation officer that motivated me; then my girlfriend left her pipe in my car. I've told her not to have that stuff near me, may vehicle nor my home. She's careless. What I got caught for both times was hers not mine.