Here's the facts:
1) I was pulled over for not having front plates, arrested for having a suspended license (not paying a ticket), police office searched my car and found 10 grams of cocaine, I admitted it was mine
2) Was booked into Snohomish County Jail (Washington State), bail was $5,000, I was released the next day by the judge (I believe I was PR'd which I believe means Pre-Trial Release)
3) I believe I was release because it was the first time I've ever been in trouble with the law, they contacted my parents to make sure I could stay there, and I was employed Full-Time
If you could please just give me some resources (websites, books, videos, phone numbers) I would appreciate it. I know I made a mistake, but I am ready to face the consequences I just don't know anything about getting arrested, going to court, drug charges... ANYTHING... I just want to know if there's anything I can do to help my case, or if I can actually count on my clean record to help...
DON'T DO DRUGS
2007-11-03 06:27:30 · 21 answers · asked by frank_the_tank15 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
You've been arraigned, had your pre-trial release and you are out on bail.
What should happen now, is that you'll get an attorney experienced in handling cases that involve drug possession.
Because you have no priors the District Attorney will offer you a pleas bargain.
That means you will be offered a reduced sentence, possibly just probation and a fine, plus court costs. I am saying possibly probation, because 10 grams is a lot of Cocaine.
Getting into an aversion program prior to trial is a good thing. It will show the judge that you are serious about turning your life around.
Snohomish County has a program called "CHART" Choosing Healthy Alternatives, Recovery & Treatment. It appears to be one of the best drug rehabs in the State.
http://www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/Departments/Superior_Court/Services/Drug_Court/
Since you are a non violent first time offender, this is probably going to be part of your sentence.
It is impressive that you have learned from this and want to turn your life around. Hopefully the Judge will think so, too.
2007-11-03 06:47:51 · answer #1 · answered by CGIV76 7 · 6⤊ 1⤋
You need to get an attorney ASAP. 10 grams could definitely be considered sales, trafficking, etc. all of which are much more severe than just having a little bit for personal use. If they found a scale or baggies or anything like that, they will definitely try to get you for sales. That is hwy you need a lawyer right now. Also, as others have said, go to rehab. Go to an inpatient rehab of at least 30 days. That will score big points with the judge and may keep you out of prison. Also, this being your 1st offense will help, you just need to make sure you are not convicted of sales or anything along those lines because you will get prison time for that. However, if you can get it down to simple possession, you will probably just get probation. Sooo, get a lawyer, go to rehab and good luck.
2007-11-03 07:32:14 · answer #2 · answered by Scott B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have some suggestions for you. First, since this is a drug related case, I suggest you consult an attorney. Though it can be a bit costly, it really is worth it, as they might be able to knock it down to a misdemeanor, etc. Almost all of the time, and since you have a clean record, they will be able to help you substantially!! Second, the following is a link to the Washington State Law Library, where you should be able to look up information about what kind of sentence you should look forward too. It is a great resource so utilize it. http://lib.law.washington.edu/ Good luck!
2007-11-03 06:34:35 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Your past will work for you. (Been over all a good person) Did you give the police "permission" to search your car? Ask a lawyer about that. Now, the fact they let you go shows they consider you a low risk. (Most likely you will not go to jail or prison) However, they may say "We won't send you to prison if you tell us where you got the drugs". If you tell then you will get probation. If you say "I will not tell" then you might get a year or two in prison. Safe to say you will only get probation. Just don't let it become a second time. Then you will surely see 5 to 10 years in prison.
2007-11-03 06:57:55 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Talk to your attorney. My first recommendation would be to check your self into a rehabilitation clinic and seek counseling for drug abuse. This shows the judge that you are attempting to address the problem yourself. Secondly, depending on your age and prior record, you may be eligible for a first time offenders program. Most states have them although they may vary from state to state. Generally this means you are given probation for your offense. As long as you stay out of trouble, the crime is removed form your record. Good luck .
2007-11-03 06:40:05 · answer #5 · answered by chill out 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
That's a lot of Cocaine. I hope they didn't find your scales and baggies too. In case you haven't noticed, most "normal" people don't drive around with a)suspended licenses and more importantly b) cocaine. This all could have been avoided if you had a front plate on. I haven't been pulled over in about five years, mostly because I keep on top of my vehicle equipment! Good luck, dude.
2007-11-03 06:38:47 · answer #6 · answered by lahlahdipsypo 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
As several persons have said, get a lawyer.
Also, pay the previous unpaid ticket (for which your license was suspended) and (less importantly) get a front license plate.
2007-11-03 09:28:45 · answer #7 · answered by StephenWeinstein 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get an attorney, try to get into a drug treatment program, and in the meantime go to a na meeting. listen, if you wind up in jail because of this, be accountable for your actions. your choices are why this happened. but learn from them and try to move on. and if your change is real (not b/c you want to get out of jail) then you will learn. it will be hard, but if you want to change, you can do it.
2007-11-03 06:52:27 · answer #8 · answered by rebel with a cause 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
WRONG.
1) YOU ADMITTED TO DRUGS AND YOURS, SAVING COURT AND OFFICERS A LOT OF GRIEF.(COOPERATIVE)
2) $5,000 BOND. CORRECT. RELEASED BECAUSE YOU CLEARED UP THE FACTS IN THE CASE NOTHING ELSE TO TIE ANYTHING TO YOU ADMITTED IT WAS YOU.
PR IS A PERSONAL RECOGNIZANCE BOND.
a) YOUR WERE OPEN ABOUT YOUR CASE
b) YOU ARE RESIDING WITH PARENTS.
c) YOU ARE EMPLOYED FULL TIME.
THIS ENSURES TO THE COURT THAT YOU MORE THEN LIKELY WILL NOT TAKE FLIGHT--TIES TO COMMUNITY.
GO TO COURT AND TELL IT LIKE IT IS YOU LEARNED WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU GET ARRESTED AND LOSE YOUR FREEDOMS TO GO WHERE YOU WANT TO WHEN YOU WANT TO AND THAT SHORT STAY WAS ENOUGH.
MAY GET A SLAP ON HAND AS IT IS YOUR FIRST TIME AND WE ALL MAKE STUPID MISTAKES.
MAY GET A FINE AS PUNISHMENT OR A TERM OF PROBATION BUT MAY NOT.
2007-11-03 06:42:57 · answer #9 · answered by ahsoasho2u2 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
If your serious about stopping the drug usage, then enroll in a drug awareness course and basically hope for sympathy from the judge.
2007-11-03 06:31:42 · answer #10 · answered by Kevy 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋