Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

I live in Miami Dade Dade county in Miami,FL, and I was driving and smoking at the same time. A cop came behind me and from what he told me when he pulled me over could smell the weed. I was honest with him and handed over what i had which was roughly 4 grams and a pipe. He called in K9 and backup but they didn't find anything else. The officer did not arrest me, but gave me a citation for drug paraphernalia and drug possession. He told me I would get a letter about court in the mail and it would be about 300$ fine. I am over the age of 18. My question is what happens? Do I go to court and simply pay a fine? Do I pay a fine instead of going to court? This is my first infraction and I just want to prepare myself.. The citation he gave me was written with a light hand so I can't make out what it says in my copy..


Asked on 6/06/13, 4:08 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Craig Epifanio Craig Epifanio, P.A.

You MUST go to court. You can't just "pay a fine". These are criminal offenses and you face up to one year in jail on EACH charge. Further, even if you are only sentenced to a fine, you are likely facing probation and a 2-year license suspension. You must get an attorney in order to protect your rights.

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Answered on 6/06/13, 8:00 am


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