
Quoting
Drew22
My question involves criminal law for the state of: Florida
I recently was pulled over by a Lee County Sheriff for a defective exhaust on my car (said it was to loud). Upon asking for my drivers license, I told him I received a ticket about a month and 2 weeks ago and it was yet paid and its possibly my license may come back suspended.
He runs my info, and asks me to step out of my car and confirmed that my license was suspended. He then asked if I had anything illegal in the car. I told him that I have smoked in the car in the past, and that he may find signs of marijuana. The sheriff then searches my car, and managed to collect some seeds, stems, and small crumbs that must have been scattered throughout my car, the total weight had to be less then a gram.
All said and done, I got arrested for driving on a suspended license and possession of marijuana under 20grams; happened to be my birthday as well, great day. My pretrial arraignment is in about a week and I can't afford legal counsel. I've never been arrested before, and have no criminal record at all.
My questions are, what would be the best way to go about resolving this at the arraignment. Should I plea not guilty/guilty? Should I seek more in-depth legal help. Also I read 60 days of jail and $1,000 fine per misdemeanor charge is the worst I could the judge could sentence. Could I really be looking at that serious of a punishment for what happened? Any answers would be really appreciated. Thanks