Drug Crimes Legal Questions

If you want to keep your record clean, you are going to need to hire an attorney.  Prices vary depending on what jurisdiction you are in.  Typical attorney fees would range from $500-$2000 on the two charges you describe.  Should you be convicted of the possession of marijuana in a state court, you could be looking at ineligibility for federal financial aid.  Also, there is no way to expunge the charges in the future.  Finally, if you are under 21 and plead guilty to the marijuana charge, the judge is required under the Abuse and Lose law to suspend your driver license for 90 days and require you to complete SATOP at the cost of $485.  Long story short, you need to get an attorney. Thank you, Andrew D. PopplewellEng & Woods Law Firm903 E. AshColumbia, MO 65201573-874-4190573-874-4192 (fax)apopplewell@engandwoods.com... Read More

  You do not state the age of your son. If he is an adult, he should contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible, if he is a juvenile, you should do so. It is unclear from the facts that you posted whether or not the search was permissible under the law. A lawyer who reviews the reports and speaks with your son will be in the best position to advise him of strategy to combat the charges or other ways of disposing the case.   This posting should not be considered legal advice nor the establishment of an attorney-client relationship. Lori G. Levin Attorney at Law 180 N. LaSalle, Suite 3700 Chicago, IL 60601 312-972-3756 levin@lorilevinlaw.com www.lorilevinlaw.com  ... Read More

It's probably a good idea to get a lawyer whether this is your first offense or not.  If it's your first offense, then there are ways that a lawyer may be able to get it dismissed by means of a 90-96 action or informal deferred prosecution agreement.  If it is your 2nd offense, then getting a lawyer may help reduce the sentence as well.  Either way, getting proper counsel from a lawyer is your best option.  ... Read More

I am unaware of the methods to seal a record, but there may be some methods available for juveniles, although I do not practice juvenile law. If you are an adult you can have your record expunged for any crime for which you were not convicted.  Many special rules apply to this process.  It's best to contact an attorney to help you with your paperwork.  ... Read More

Assuming this citation was a standard less than one-half ounce offense:  This charge will show up on a record check even if it is eventually dismissed.  If you aren't convicted, it would be wise to pursue an expungement after your case is resolved.  You may only expunge your record of offenses for which you were not convicted.  If this is your first offense, the judge must offer you the opportunity to participate in the 90-96 program.  90-96 is a program which allows for the dismissal of first offense drug charges that meet certain guidelines.  Also, the defendant must generally admit to the offense in court and attend drug classes.  If the defendant jumps through the hoops that the court sets, the case should be dismissed.  If the case is dismissed in this way, you would be eligible for an expungement.... Read More

I am sorry, but in Missouri, only specific crimes are eligible for expungement, and at this time, no drug charges are eligible for expungement. Thank you, Andrew D. PopplewellEng & Woods Law Firm903 E. AshColumbia, MO 65201573-874-4190573-874-4192 (fax)apopplewell@engandwoods.com This answer does not create an attorney/client relationship.... Read More

I can not tell from your email if your son is under 18 but it sounds like that is the case.  If he has never been in trouble before and these are all misdemeanors most jurisdictions have juvenile diversion programs which avoid the case even getting to the prosecutors office or court and avoid a court record.  Usually you have to act quickly on these and ask the department of Juvenile justice if they have such a program and if your son can get in it.   If you are confused, they do not have that as an option,  or you can not get the answer you should contact an attorney to help you. ... Read More

  Please contact an experienced defense attorney as soon as possible to assist your son with his pending criminal charges. Based upon the scenario presented, there may or may not be legal issues that can be explored to help him. Without actually speaking with your son, it is difficult, if not impossible to determine his options.   This posting is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice nor the establishment of an attorney-client relationship. Lori G. Levin Attorney at Law 180 N. LaSalle, Suite 3700 Chicago, IL 60601 312-972-3756 levin@lorilevinlaw.com www.lorilevinlaw.com  ... Read More

Some Police Departments in PA charge Disorderly Conduct for a small amount of weed, which may or may not result in a violation of probation, but most will charge you with a misdemeanor which does violate your probation and usually results in a detainer and going straight to jail.  Get to a good lawyer for a consultation while you are out and can plan for what may be coming.... Read More

Usually a bail reduction request is made by the attorney at a preliminary hearing.  You can write the letter, but it is a good idea to copy his attorney on it, the prosecuting attorney on it, and then the court.  Otherwise, the judge would likely ignore it, which he or she may still do.  I would give the letter to his defense attorney to seek a bond reduction. ... Read More

The one way that a private attorney will always do a better job is the time spent reviewing the case.  Assuming the retainer has been paid, the majority of private defense attorneys will look spend more time reviewing discovery and talking to witnesses, because they have the time and are getting paid for their time.   ... Read More

You should really consult with a lawyer about all the facts of your case as this is in a gray area and a few facts either way could make a huge difference.  You may also want to check out this website with great information about Pennsylvania Narcotics Law:  http://fairlielaw.net/practice-areas/drug-charges/ Steven F. Fairlie, Esq.Fairlie & Lippy, P.C.1501 Lower State Road, Suite 304North Wales, PA 19454voice: (215) 997-1000fax: (215) 997-1777steve@fairlielaw.netwww.fairlielaw.net  ... Read More

  Please understand that if a petition to violate your probation is filed, the burden of proof to find you in violation is less than beyond a reasonable doubt. A general condition of probation is that you are not to commit any violations of the law. If your roommates are arrested for possession of controlled substances, there is always the possibility that you could be arrested too.    This posting is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice nor the establishment of an attorney-client relationship.   Please consult with an attorney to determine your options. Lori G. Levin Attorney at Law 180 N. LaSalle, Suite 3700 Chicago, IL 60601 312-972-3756 levin@lorilevinlaw.com www.lorilevinlaw.com  ... Read More

the officers responded to the fireworks complaint. this allowed the officers to observe the backyard. the officers observed the CDS  in 'plain view' . they can arrest you for the possession and search within your 'wingspan' for weapons based upon 'self protection.  if you have no prior 'conditional discharges', you can have the case dismissed. ed dimon... Read More

you need an attorney with a private investigator who will interview the other people present to determine what they will actually say in a sworn statement. i do not believe they will accept responsibility. you need advice concerning cooperation and the dangers inherent with being a 'snitch'. ed dimon... Read More

It certainly can speed things up, but the sentence will still need to be served first.  Many people are not paroled after completing their minimum sentence because no one got around to filing the home plan, so you are ahead of many by having it completed in advance. Steven F. Fairlie, Esq.Fairlie & Lippy, P.C.1501 Lower State Road, Suite 304North Wales, PA 19454voice: (215) 997-1000fax: (215) 997-1777steve@fairlielaw.netwww.fairlielaw.net  Become a Fan of Fairlie & Lippy, P.C. on Facebook Follow us on Twitter  ... Read More

   Based on the facts that you have presented, it appears that the juvenile authorities are evaluating whether or not to send you to juvenile court or an alternative to court. Their decision could have serious implications for your future. Please speak to your parents and have them contact an attorney as soon as possible. Lori G. Levin 180 N. LaSalle, Suite 3700 Chicago, IL 60601 312-972-3756 levin@lorilevinlaw.com www.lorilevinlaw.com... Read More

You need to retain an attorney.  If you don't, the charges could stay on your record for the rest of your life.  Also, if you are not represented, the Missouri Abuse and Lose law would suspend your driver's license for 90 days. Thank you, Andrew D. PopplewellEng & Woods Law Firm903 E. AshColumbia, MO 65201573-874-4190573-874-4192 (fax)apopplewell@engandwoods.com This answer does not create an attorney/client relationship.... Read More

The police can tell you they are not going to charge you and then charge you.  A good lawyer might file a motion to compel the benefit of the bargain, but most courts find that police are not bound by their promises - only prosecutors are.  Speak with a good lawyer.  Steve Steven F. Fairlie, Esq.Fairlie & Lippy, P.C.1501 Lower State Road, Suite 304North Wales, PA 19454voice: (215) 997-1000fax: (215) 997-1777steve@fairlielaw.netwww.fairlielaw.net Become a Fan of Fairlie & Lippy, P.C. on Facebook Follow us on Twitter  ... Read More

   Since you are charged with a felony and have received a ruling in your favor, I presume that you have an attorney. Only someone familiar with the facts of your case as well as the police reports, prior transcripts, etc. can adequately and fully advise you of trial strategy.    You should meet with your attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case and flesh out your defense. Lori G. Levin Attorney at Law 180 N. LaSalle, Suite 3700 Chicago, IL 60605 312-972-3756 levin@lorilevinlaw.com www.lorilevinlaw.com... Read More