Legal Question in Criminal Law in Colorado
Help??
My son who is 17 was pulled over with a friend and they found drug parphernalia and gave him a ticket where he now has to show up in court ... I'm scared to death ... what advise do you have and should I hire an attorney?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Help??
First, don't be scared to death, at least not because of the legal consequences.
Possession of drug paraphernalia is a class 2 petty offense; the penalty is a fine, up to $100.
Second, depending upon whether what the cop saw as drug paraphernalia was actually ever used in connection with drugs, it can be hard for the state to prove the case. They generally need something to connect it to actual illegal use: a statement by your son about the use; if it was near any drugs (because you don't mention a drug charge I assume it was not); any drug residue on the object, and more.
Whether you feel this is worth fighting, in terms of a $100 maximum fine and reputation (a petty offense is frankly no big deal) and dignity (if your son is innocent of possessing this object for his or others' drug use), will determine whether you should hire an attorney.
Good luck, and again, don't be scared.
Re: Help??
Get an attorney for your son to try to prevent a permenant record.
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