My question involves criminal law for the state of: NC
So I had a bad day and stopped at a gas station after work, left and forgot my seatbelt. Cop pulls me over. Where I happened to pull over, on a side street, there was another cop car sitting there with 2 officers in it. The cop get my license and reg and asks if I have anything illegal in the car and I say no. Then asks why I'm nervous, and if he can search the car. Based on previous incidents where saying no made them evil, I said yes. There was an open case of beer in the backseat with one missing, which was open hidden to my side in my jacket. He asked me to cut the car off and get it out so as I did I have no choice but to hand him the open beer. He then asks if I have marijuana, I turn to my truck and get my pipe and 1 gram of weed and give it to him. He searches me, sits me aside, and has his buddies search the truck. I had nothing else. Tickets for no seatbelt, open container, possession of marijuana under half oz, paraphernalia. So then my dumbass read the court date wrong and I'm not familiar with the area so I'm trying to see where I pull in to park at the courthouse. I see the same cop at the intersection right there, look up, and all the sudden I've run the world's smallest stop light right in front of him. Swear, I did not see the light until I was under it. He pulls me over, recognizes me. Tells me I'm there on the wrong day. Gives me ticket for running stop light.
I'm very much a karma believer and no idea what I did but this sucks. My work is seasonal and I'm hurting right now to make bills. I know I'm an idiot and made mistakes but any advise would be much appreciated. I'm not a bad person, I just am having a terrible run right now. The cop did say he would put in his notes that I was completely cooperative on both occasions. The county (Stanly, NC) doesn't offer driving school or anything that would seem to help me as per the DA office.
Thank you
Travis

