I got charged with under 50 grams and paraphernalia. I have never been charged with anything else in my entire life. I am squeaky clean besides this incident. My court date is on September 9th. I am 18 years old. I do not plan to get a lawyer, but if push comes to shove, its not out of the question. Apparently from what I've heard from the cops that detained me, and read around online, since this is my first offense, I will almost be guaranteed to a conditional discharge program. But my question is, how do I approach this? I've read that once I enter the court, since I am a first time offender of a small misdemeanor, I will be offered the conditional discharge program instead of being asked "how will you plead?" Can anybody confirm this? And if this is not the case, can I just straight up ask the judge for conditional discharge? Thanks, and I'm sorry if this bothers anyone on the forum. I'm just a bit nervous, and I'm just trying to get some answers, without having to resort to a lawyer.
Get a lawyer....and not a public defender, remember the PD works for the same people that are prosecuting you, Good Luck.
You are going to get probation for 6 months and have to take classes. Let's Smoke About It..... -Adam Demamp My Majestic Indoor & Outdoor Grow Journal http://forum.grasscity.com/index.php?/topic/1357687-Sade's-Solar-Adventures
You will need to talk to the prosecutor or solicitor about that program, I had pre-trial diversion and had to talk to the solicitor for that.
The fool who represents himself in a criminal matter has a fool for a client. The reality of criminal defense practice is that MOST of the heavy lifting is done outside of the courtroom, and a prosecutor is NOT going to give the pro se defendant anywhere near the same deference as they will a licensed professional...
Like all the other advice you have been given- PLEASE get a lawyer. They can make all the difference. Believe me. I had a felony drug diversion charge and the prosecutor painted me very badly. My lawyer saved the day and I got findings under advisement. Case was dismissed after two years. I know you have less serious charges, but please get a lawyer. Good luck, mate, keep us posted.
Get a lawyer nobody can tell you what the sentencing is going to be. Check your states laws, it will give you the minimum and maximum penalty. Outside of a speeding ticket or something simple like that its foolish to not take a lawyer. I've been on conditional discharge before, in my state you still plead guilty. Its just sealed after you meet the terms of you're probation without fkn it up. Its so worth getting an attorney. If you can't afford one at the very minimum have the court appoint you a public defender. I know people rip on public defenders but that's usually because they're a bunch of babies who didn't get their way. A public defender will atleast explain the laws to you instead of relying on a bunch of stoners like us