Charged with first offense of possession on marijuana: im 19 with a clean record. I was in my car with a friend when a cop pulled up behind us. we had smoked weed earlier in the day but the smell was still in the car bc the windows were up. The only thing the cop found was a bowl, with some remails. im questioning what this will do for my future. I am a colllege student with the hopes of transfering, do schools do backgroundchecks on students? will this hamper me getting into other schools? what about if i decide i want to join the m ilitary, will this stop me?
Brian's answer: Answered 01/13/2011: A conviction for Possession of Marijuana is like any other substance abuse offense. It doesn't help. If an employer (including the military) wants to hire you vs. someone without a PM conviction, guess what they will be thinking. Many companies and the government do background checks to see the sort of person they are getting. So take this case seriously. Now about your particular case, I think you have to get a lawyer so that he can evaluate all the facts. Additionally, what you mentioned makes me think of several defenses you might use. Don't just assume you are going to be found guilty. We fight these and often win, especially in light of recent law in Virginia. If you chose to take a plea, or go into a diversion program without considering the fight, then I guess you deserve what you get. Good luck with this. [Note: Consistent with Avvo policy, this communication is intended as general information and not specific legal advice, and this communication does not create an attorney-client relationship.] Brian Geno Geno Law Firm Red Maple Court Office Condominiums 10617 Jones Street, Suite 201-B Fairfax, VA 22030 703-691-GENO (4366) Office 703-691-4774 Fax info@GenoLaw.com Email www.NovaAttorney.com Web www.GenoLaw.com Web
What will i get in this case?: I got arrested on Petit Larceny 1st offence, and this is my 1st time. i was there with my friend when they steal stuff and yet that my unlucky day. But on the paper when they print out how much items that i steal, it said i steal 0$ worth of value, What can i do in this case to lower the penalty down. by anychance do i have to go to jail/pay fine in this case? P.S. Im 20 years old still in highschool my senior year, but my friend is 16 but i knows him for 3 years. Im not a citizen but only a Permanent Resident
Brian's answer: Answered 1/09/2011: If a person is convicted for Petit Larceny, they typically get no jail time and some counties offer a deferred disposition program that results in a dismissal after doing certain things. In your case, you should fight the charge. If you did not steal anything or help in that process, you should not be convicted. As a permanent resident, a conviction has special considerations because it could affect your immigration status. So, get a lawyer and let him go to work for you. I can't help but notice that you sound like you think you are going to lose the case. Head up my friend. There is a lot you can do to help yourself. Good luck with this. [Note: Consistent with Avvo policy, this communication is intended as general information and not specific legal advice, and this communication does not create an attorney-client relationship.] Brian Geno Geno Law Firm Red Maple Court Office Condominiums 10617 Jones Street, Suite 201-B Fairfax, VA 22030 703-691-GENO (4366) Office 703-691-4774 Fax info@GenoLaw.com Email www.NovaAttorney.com Web www.GenoLaw.com Web
How much time can i get for robbery,conpiracy and assault by mob: a kid said i robbed him for 100 dollars and his cell and specifaclly said my name but he also said two others were with me but cant id them he sai we assaulted him and took his stuff how much time will i possibly get if found guilty?
Brian's answer: Answered 01/06/2011: There are many factors involved in calculating the likely jail time from conviction of these 3 charges. Typically a person would consult the Virginia sentencing guidelines. The max for them has very little to do with what you might ultimately get if convicted. I would suggest contacting a criminal defense lawyer for help on defense of the charges and questions about the likely sentence. But since you asked, here are the maximums for each. 1. Robbery - Virginia Code 18.2-58 carries 5 yrs to life 2. Conspiracy to Commit Robbery - Virginia Code 18.2-22 (a)(2) is a class 5 felony with a term of imprisonment of not less than one year nor more than 10 years, or in the discretion of the jury or the court trying the case without a jury, confinement in jail for not more than 12 months and a fine of not more than $2,500, either or both. 3. Assault by Mob - Virginia Code 18.2-42 has a possible 1 year (6 months when calculating the time as a misdemeanor). They could all run consecutive or concurrent, if the judge wanted to do it. Good Luck with this. [Note: Consistent with Avvo policy, this communication is intended as general information and not specific legal advice, and this communication does not create an attorney-client relationship.] Brian Geno Geno Law Firm Red Maple Court Office Condominiums 10617 Jones Street, Suite 201-B Fairfax, VA 22030 703-691-GENO (4366) Office 703-691-4774 Fax info@GenoLaw.com Email www.NovaAttorney.com Web www.GenoLaw.com Web