What happens when you are pulled over for possession of marijuana?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
What happens when you are pulled over for possession of marijuana?
My friend and I got pulled over and the officers found marijuana on us but they only took it away and said they weren’t going to arrest us. Rather, they would just give us a ticket but they never gave it to us and let us go. I wanted to know if the ticket will come through mail and how long does it takes to arrive? What do I have to do in court if I have to go? Should I speak with a criminal defense attorney? In San Diego, CA.
Asked on October 29, 2010 under Criminal Law, California
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 14 years ago | Contributor
Currently, possession of marijuana is a misdemeanor in CA. A criminal matter. And anytime a crime is charged it is in the accused's best interests to have legal counsel represent them. A skilled defense attoreny may be able to get the charge dismissed on a procedural technicality. Otherwise, you may be eligible for something known as "diversion" if you are a first-time offender. This is a special alternative sentence that will leave you with a clean criminal record if successfully completed. However, if your lawyer can fight the charge, they will. This way the next time (and hopefully there isn't one) that you find yourself in legal trouble you will still be considered to be a first-time offender and diversion will still be available to you.
Note: As of 01/2011 new rules go into effect. Simple possession of marijuana will be an" infraction" and treated much like a traffic ticket. But it only applies to offenses after that date.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.