Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

First offense

Yesterday I went to visit my fianc� in Wayside County Jail in Castaic, California. After I parked I got out of the car when a Officer approached me. One of the officers asked me if this was my car and I said yes. It isn't actually MY car yet, but I didn't think I needed to let them know that. They said that they do random searches of vehicles and if they could search the car. While the officer searched the car the other officer ran my ID and asked me if I had ever been arrested before, which I answered ''NO''. The officer finished searching the car, he stepped behind me and told me to put my hands behind my back because I was being arrested for possession of drugs. I had no idea what he was talking about, then they drove me up to their office and they pulled out 2 baggies as evidence that they found on the floor of the passenger side and showed the Sergeant. They took me downtown to L.A. County jail and booked me. The charge on my paperwork when I bailed out is a 4573.6. I didn't know anything was in the car like that and it wasn't mine, although like they told me, they hear that everyday. I've NEVER been arrested and I'm really scared as to what will happen in court on this.


Asked on 4/28/03, 2:47 am

4 Answers from Attorneys
H.M. Torrey The Law Offices of H.M. Torrey

Re: First offense

i certainly empathize and feel for your situation greatly, as i personally hate to see "bad things" happen to good people like yourself. if this is your first "offense" and the car did not belong to you, this will weigh heavily in your favor in defending your case and/or even plea bargaining if it comes down to that. if you can email me back directly with more details as to whose car this was at the time, their background, and if you made any other statements to the police while in custody, my Law Firm should be able to further assist and/or represent your legal rights in this matter. remember, the burden of "proof" is on the prosecution in your case here, and you definitely have some "mitigating" circumstances in your case to raise reasonable doubt against these seemingly unfounded charges against you, despite the "circumstantial evidence and nature of your arrest". my Law Firm would be more than happy to help you get justice here.

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Answered on 4/28/03, 3:00 am
Neil Newson Neil C. Newson & Associates

Re: First offense

The charge is carrying a controlled substance on to the grounds. It is more serious than mere possession, however, you can expect to be treated as a 1st time drug offender after being put through some scary times. Your attoreney should be able to get you into some type of diversion program that allows you to enter a plea but defers any jail on condition that you obey all laws and go to dru counseling. at the end of the diversion period the charges will be dropped.

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Answered on 4/28/03, 9:46 am
Jonathan Kelman Law Offices of Jonathan I. Kelman

Re: First offense

You should definitely speak with an atty as soon as possible. Please fell free to call me at (310)286-1218 - JONATHAN I. KELMAN

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Answered on 4/28/03, 1:38 pm
Jason Hsu Una Law Corporation

Re: First offense

If the facts are as you stated, then it is likely that you did not commit the crime in question. Please contact our office if we can assist you further with regard to this matter.

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Answered on 4/28/03, 7:48 pm


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