To the new people and the ones who answered this question before:
In October, I was at a concert. My friend talked me into snorting adderall (her prescription drug), telling me that it would give me a high. Normally, I wouldn't go along with it EVER but seeing that we were all drinking and having a good time, for some stupid reason, I went along with it. I have never done anything illegal in my life and being 27, I thought I would make a better judgement call than this but I didnt. Undercover police officers were watching us and took us to their HQ in the concert parking lot. We were issued COUNTY ordinance citations (fine of $426.50) and we were let go, free to go back to the concert grounds. According to them, we got off really easy and I know that we did. What we did was commit a felony. So I am thankful for that. But I obviously regret that night and have definately learned my lesson. My court date is coming up and I need help. More to come... Please wait for more info below
2006-11-02 05:25:12 · 7 answers · asked by angelalf1979 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
I dont want to go in and plead not guilty because I did it, I'm not going to lie about that. But, I do NOT have a criminal record whatsoever and I would like to go to school and pursue a career in criminal justice. I feel so horrible about what I did. Please trust me when I say that I am a good person. I am. What should I do to try to get this off my record? Is it necessary to get off my record if I want to pursue a career in criminal justice? Should I get a public defender (cuz i cant afford an attorney) and try to get this dismissed or just face the music and pay the fine and hope my life works out? I dont think one mistake like this should ruin my life. (And it could) I know I am not a criminal and I just made a really bad judgement call one night. I know I will never do it again. What should I do? Please help me and tell me how you know the advise you give. Please dont put me down because I am already down on myself for this as it is.
2006-11-02 05:25:55 · update #1
This will not be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felon. It is only a city ordinance citation and the case is going to traffic court. However, the citation is issued for possession of drug paraphenilia. I dont want that on my record!!
Has anyone hard of Deferred Prosecution Agreement and can I use this to help my case?
I'm not really concerned about the "title" of the citation, being that its only a city ordinance citation. What I am concerned about is the fact that stated on my record (I already looked under public records and its there) it says "possession of drug paraphenilia". I dont want that (those exact words) on my record. I dont want to be connected to any drug anything as long as I plan to pursue an education and employment in law enforcement. I am hoping at the least that I can have it changed (reduced) or dismissed all together considering that I am a first time offender.
2006-11-02 05:27:09 · update #2
plan on being completely honest about this for the rest of my life. I will not hide it but if want to also be able to defend myself when it comes up. Given polygraphs or what have you, I will not lie. But I want them to know that it was a one time mistake that will never, ever happen again. I am better than that but I believe we are allowed to do at least one stupid thing in life. But only if we are truly sorry, and I am sorry. Thank you to all the great advice, some not so great advice too but you tried. Let me know who you agree with and I appreciate you telling me who you are. It means a lot when it comes from lawyers and police officers, especially.
I justed called that county's public defenders office and they will not handle city ordinance citations. What do I do now? I'v gotten great advice but they all advised me that I should seek legal help. I cannot afford a lawyer and now I cannot get a public defender!
CORRECTION: It is a COUNTY ordinance citation.
2006-11-02 05:27:57 · update #3
If it is a COUNTY ordinance citation, does that make any difference in this case? Is that more severe or not?
As far as Federal Financial Aid, there is a question that states if I have ever been convicted of possessing or selling illegal drugs. If I do not get this expunged, is this A) a CONVICTION of possession of drugs? And B) Even if it was classified as drug "PARAPHENILLIA"?
2006-11-02 05:28:44 · update #4
Additional Info: I live in the state of Wisconsin. Also, where this occured is in a different county then where I live.
To elaborate on the "deferred prosecution agreement" if anyone has information on who qualifies to ask for that plea bargain and any other advice on how I can defend myself (things to say, etc.) since I cannot get a public defender.
2006-11-02 05:35:34 · update #5
I guess the reason I am so scared about this is because when I called the Sheriffs Dept to inquire about what I could do to get the charge reduced, I got a lecture from the deputy and he made me feel like a worthless piece of you know what. He said I had a drug problem and that I need to learn my lesson. He had no sympathy for me and will do anything to help this case. I was initially told at this concert by another police officer that all I have to do is call and ask for the charges to be reduced to something like a traffic citation. She made it sound like I didnt have any thing to worry about and I didnt until that nasty phone call with that deputy...
2006-11-02 05:43:04 · update #6
Everyone makes mistakes, and while you probably did get of relatively easy, I understand your frustration, and concern. I would run it by a lawyer, the best and least expensive way I know to do that is through Pre-Paid Legal Services.
Check it out at:
http://www.getprotectedhere.com
2006-11-07 05:51:13 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
To get the charges reduced you'll have to talk to the Prosecuting attorney. Try to set up a meeting with him/her, and tell them the whole story, and that you plan to plead No contest to the charges. As long as you were being honest about not having anything else on your record they will probably drop the paraphenellia charge to something minor. But the sheriffs office won't change the charges, it looks better on them if they arrest someone for drugs instead of running a stop sign.
2006-11-02 06:03:56 · answer #2 · answered by Eagle 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all, you are being charged with a breaking a local ordinance, not a felony, so it will not follow you in your career. You can still say "no" on job apps when asked if you have ever been convicted of a felony.
When you go to trial, plead nolo contendere. This means that you are not admitting guilt, but do not dispute the evidence being brought against you.
The judge will (likely) accept your plea, and you will pay the $426.50 without being found guilty, and get on with your life.
2006-11-02 05:34:43 · answer #3 · answered by wuxxler 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Plead Nolo Contendere: A plea of no contest. In many jurisdictions, it is an expression that the matter will not be contested, but without an admission of guilt. In other jurisdictions, it is an admission of the charges and is equivalent to a guilty plea.
2006-11-02 05:31:37 · answer #4 · answered by Answergirl 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Get your free legal counsel and tell him the story as you just told it to us.
Lawyers are sometimes able to make deals with the court system.
Good luck.
Remember, even if you end up with a mark on your record, it isn't the end of the world. Just be brutally honest on loan, job, and military application forms and it will be alright.
2006-11-02 05:48:12 · answer #5 · answered by credo quia est absurdum 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Check your yellow pages for attorneys that offer a free initial consultation. Many will talk to you without charging you anything. Or, you can call your county offices and find out who to call for free legal help. There are agencies, I think they may be state run, that offer free legal aid. Good luck to you.......
2006-11-02 05:36:48 · answer #6 · answered by bradys_mommy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wuxxler is right, the thing isn't going to bother your carreer choice. You can have the record expunged later on. Most law enforcement personnel have done something wrong once in their lives,too.
2006-11-02 17:00:20 · answer #7 · answered by relaxed 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋