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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Posts
    4

    Default What Punishgment Will a Minor Get for Selling Drugs

    My question involves juvenile law in the State of: Maryland

    Hi, 15 years old here, and I have recently been caught with carrying 1 gram of marijuana while at school. See, I bought a gram for personal use in the morning before school and did not have the time to put it somewhere safe, so I made the stupid mistake of bringing it with me. Well, the school principal and officer called me up to the office, and they questioned if I had any on me. I denied it. So they searched me. After searching me and finding the weed, the School Officer told me my rights and placed me under arrest for Possession Of Marijuana. He asked me plenty of questions, such as how long have I been using, who I got it from, etc. I answered everything but as to who I got it from, since he did tell me I have the right to not answer. Now, after questioning, my legal guardian was bought in and was told what was happening; why I'm in trouble, how I have to go to court, etc.

    And I'm alright with being charged with the Possession, it was my own fault that I got caught for being dumb enough to bring it in.

    However, what worries me is, that the officer kept my phone and ipod as "evidence", even after I confessed to the weed being mine. And unfortunately, I have on the phone text messages that could incriminate me as a distributor, with the most amount of weed talked about being 7 grams. Now, he told me he is going to try to get a warrant to have permission to read my phone, but I'm asking you all was it just a bluff? As I see no reason searching for more evidence if I already confessed to the possession.

    So, as far as they know, I only possessed marijuana. Not attempt to sell it. So if he was to read my text messages, what could happen? Isn't that a violation of privacy?

    And if worst comes to worst and he brings it up, what would happen to me? Would they place the distribution charge on the same court case as my possession? Or would it be on a different court case? And if things really go down the drain, what are the penalties of distribution of under 7g's for a minor?

    Of note, I was respectful and cooperative to the school principal and officer; besides the part where I denied having any in the first place. The Principal even said I was really respectful and cooperative, so is their a chance the officer was really bluffing on reading my phone?

    Also, this is my first time being arrested.

    Is it possible for me to just not fight the case, and risk my phone being read, and just accept the sentence for the possession? Not being charged with distribution is my main priority; I am okay with the possession charge though, as it was my fault.

    Thanks in advance for the help everyone.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default Re: What Are Juvenile Marijuana Possession/Distribution Penalties

    Your parents need to be talking to a Criminal Defense Lawyer in your area.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Posts
    4

    Default Re: What Are Juvenile Marijuana Possession/Distribution Penalties

    My legal guardian doesn't speak English well, and we do not have enough money to afford a good lawyer. So we're most likely going to be stuck with a state appointed lawyer, and I hear they are terrible. So I'm only asking here out of necessity.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default Re: What Are Juvenile Marijuana Possession/Distribution Penalties

    The state appointed lawyer graduated from law school, same as a lawyer. The difference is he/she won't have as much time to spend on your case as a private attorney. They are not terrible, they just have a lot of clients to take care of in less time,

    If your family can't afford a lawyer....go for your arraingment and plead "Not Guilty" and ask for a Public Defender.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Posts
    4

    Default Re: What Are Juvenile Marijuana Possession/Distribution Penalties

    I'll take your advice then, but I still wish for these questions to be answered.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Behind a Desk
    Posts
    98,846

    Default Re: What Are Juvenile Marijuana Possession/Distribution Penalties

    No, the fact that you confessed to one crime will not prevent the police from investigating your other crimes. It's easy enough to get a warrant to search a phone, if it comes to that.

    Juvenile courts have broad discretion to fashion remedies that suit an offender. There's no "one size fits all "answer. It's going to depend upon what the ultimate charge is, the policies of the local court, and hour home, school, community and prior police record.

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