I'm hoping to get some help and some knowledge. My 16 yrs old daughter was stopped 3 nights ago by the police. They smelt marijuana as they walked up to the car. In the car they found less then an once of marijuana, papers and a scale. With her were her two friends, 18 and 19 yrs of age. The scale and the large bag of pot were found in the back of the car and no one would admit to them. A smaller amount was found in the front of the car and roaches in the ashtray. We were called and made it to the scene where she was stopped, they showed us what was found and told us she would be charged with possession with intent to sell or distribute. She was being charged sense it was her car and no one else owned up to it.
When we got to the station we were told the charges were being reduced to misdemeanor drug possession. Being a youth would walk away with probation. The two with her were also being charged with the same as well as contributing to the delinquency of a minor. I don't agree with this charge cuz she is very capable of making her own mind and decisions, if anything she tends to be the leader. I wonder if I have a say or can help get these charges dropped. And can they play around with the charges like this? How can they make a scale disappear? Should I just thank my lucky stars that it has been reduced or should I worry that when we get to court the charges could once again change? What is the penalty for these charges? Should I get a lawyer? Would she be intitled to a legal aid lawyer? I was thinking of starting her in a drug program like Insight even before court started, would this help? I would like to see her have to do such a program and hopefully community service as well. Can I suggest this? I don't think jail time teachs anything, but I do want her accountable for her actions none the less.
Thank you so much for your help. I have been so upset sense all this started, so many questions and no answers.
A very concerned mother

