Legal Question in Traffic Law in California

traffic law question

I was pulled over for driving too slow. The officer asked if he could search my car and found an old baggie with less than one ounce of marajuana. I am 19 yrs old with no previous driving violations. He wrote the ticket as a misdemeanor for possesion but not as driving so I wouldn't lose my license. He said I would have to go to court and it would cost under $100. Do I need an attorney? Will this go on my record? Will my insurance be affected?


Asked on 6/11/07, 12:43 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Re: traffic law question

First of all, if you are volunteering to have the police search your car, then you are smoking too much dope. Go to YouTube and view the video, BUSTED: A Citizen's Guide To Surviving A Police Encounter.

Second of all, depending on whether you live in a liberal or a conservative area of California, the fine may vary from $100 to $250. You might find it worth your while to fight the charge as you have nothing to lose. Under California law a marijuana conviction is supposed to disappear from your record in two years, but I would fight it anyway, since you never know what will show up on one of these employment "background checks." Go to the California NORML website for more info.

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Answered on 6/21/07, 2:48 pm


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