My question involves criminal law for the state of: Michigan
My son was recently a passenger in his own car (with an expired plate-he was supposed to be on his way to take care of-the other kid was given the ticket for the plates) when he and his friend were pulled over for speeding. The friend was driving my son's car. When asked by the officer if there was anything in the car before he searched my son said that he had cigarettes and that there was a pipe in the car from a couple of weeks ago, but no pot. The officer was given the cigarettes and pipe and proceeded to search the car. In the console (on the report) the officer said he found some small green leafy pieces that he had tested and that did test positive for pot. He was charged with minor in possesion of tobacco and dissorderly person/possesion of pot. The report states that he cooperated with the officer and notes no real disorderly acts, why the disorderly person charge? My son is an honor student, with no offences of any kind on his record. He is in the carreer tech medical training course at school, has had perfect attendence for the last 2 years and has started his college plans and application process for grants, scholarships and loans for college next year. A misdimeanor conviction at this stage will hurt alot of his chances for financial help. Do you think it is wise to go with a public defender? Should we look into either a 7411 or Herman Holmes Youthful training act type option? Can I do this on my own or should we have an attourney represent us? Help!! Alex's Mom

