Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

I got a possession of marijuana ticket last night, i had about an 1/8 of an ounce in my car, the cop took my weed and wrote me a ticket. From what I have read, I will face a $100 fine, but with assessment fees it will end up going up to around $350. From what I understand I could also face a one year suspension of my license if I am convicted. There are a few questions I have, what would happen if I show up before the scheduled court date, as the officer informed me that I would be able to do, and just paid the fines? Would there be a two year mark on my record? Is it very likely that my license would actually get suspended? I also read about filing a pre-guilty plea under penal code 1000 to avoid a conviction, how would I go about doing that? I honestly just do not want this to affect my auto insurance and would like to get through the entire thing as quickly as possible. BTW, this happened in california, san diego specifically, I am 19 years old, I have a clean record and am attending college and have a job. I would really like to know what penalties I would LIKELY face, not just what the law says cause I know very well they vary.


Asked on 6/05/10, 9:41 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Don't plead guilty. Demand a jury trial. The worst you are facing is maybe $350 in fines. It won't affect your license or auto insurance, unless you wind up being charged with DUI. How did the cop find your MJ? If you spoke to the officer, or you volunteered to let him search your vehicle, you used very poor judgment. If you find out you are charged with DUI, you will have to hire a lawyer. If you use MJ and you have a legitimate medical excuse, get a MMJ card.

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Answered on 6/06/10, 6:25 pm


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