Arrested for Possessing .7 Grams of Marijuana

[afraidandunderage]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Maryland

I was arrested in April. I just received a disk in the mail with a 9 page pdf record with different documents. They're getting a chemist to confirm that it was marijuana, so the state is taking this really seriously. I don't have a lawyer yet. Would I be okay with a public defender or should I hire one? What is the penalty for this, and will I receive jail time?

Also, I have a previous charge of trespassing (in a park) in Virginia. Would a prosecutor know this and would it hurt me? My trespassing charge was to be expunged if I stayed out of a trouble for a year. If I am convicted, will the trespassing charge stay on my record permanently?

[Disagreeable]

You should always hire a lawyer imo. 10 g or less misdemeanor 90 days $ 500 appears to be your end result. Baltimore prosecutors have been offering a drop the charges deal for very small amounts in exchange for community service. A lawyer might broker that. You will likely be nailed on the trespassing charge.

[Mr. Knowitall]

Would I be okay with a public defender or should I hire one?

A public defender is a lawyer. You can decide whether you like your public defender, assuming you qualify for appointment, after you meet him.
[QUOTE=afraidandunderage]What is the penalty for this,
Potentially up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500, plus court costs and assessments.

][/B]and will I receive jail time?

Maybe. That would depend on the facts, and factors including your home, school (if applicable), community, and prior police record. You seem to be getting into quite a bit of trouble these days.

][/B]Also, I have a previous charge of trespassing (in a park) in Virginia. Would a prosecutor know this and would it hurt me?

We have no way of knowing if the prosecutor will be aware of your out-of-state record, but you should assume so. Any time you start to demonstrate a pattern of criminal conduct or disregard of the law, you risk getting more and more severe punishments for each new crime.

][/B]My trespassing charge was to be expunged if I stayed out of a trouble for a year. If I am convicted, will the trespassing charge stay on my record permanently?

Talk to your lawyer in Virginia.