Do I need a lawyer for a first time marijuana possession charge?

Silver Spring, MD Viewed 1120 times. Posted about 1 year ago in Criminal Defense

I was riding in a car with someone and they ran a red light. When the officers came to search the car, I was found with marijuana. I was charged with possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia. It is my first offense, I have no other charges criminal or civil, pending and I do not partake in drug use meaning that if I were to be tested, the test would come back clean for all substances.
A week ago, I was sent a letter from the drug rehabilitation program saying that the states attorney would drop my charges if I completed the program. Do I still need a lawyer when I go to court? - Is this your question? Add additional information

Answers (1)

Christopher Allan Doerfler

This attorney is licensed in Arizona and 1 other state. Posted 4 months ago.

As a general rule, if you have criminal charges you should get a lawyer. Just from what you tell me in your question I wonder if there is a suppression issue. That said, most states have first time offender deals like you are describing that let you jump through hoops and keep your record clean, and while I would still want you to have a lawyer to explain all the ramifications, this is the scenario where you are in the least danger going it alone.

Chris

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