Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

Court Procedures for Arraignment

I am 18 years old. My mother just passed away of cancer. The last thing I needed was to get arrested for possession of marijuana under 20 grams. My arraignment is set for this Tuesday and I do not have a lawyer. I do not know the different plea's and what they mean. I know I am guilty but should I plea guilty or no contest? I am graduating high school in 3 months and supposed to go to college in the fall. I can't be on probation. What can I do? I have remorse. I have gone to several NA meetings.


Asked on 2/22/02, 11:49 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Dan Akes C. Daniel Akes, Attorney at Law

Re: Court Procedures for Arraignment

DO NOT plead guilty or no contest. Plead NOT GUILTY. Talk to a lawyer. Many counties have a deferred prosecution program for first time misdemeanor possession. If you complete the program, the charges can be dropped. Even if your county does not have one, there may be defenses to the charge, which you will give up by a guilty or no contest plea. A judgment of guilty will mean the loss of your driver's license for two years along with other sanctions. it is likely that a lawyer can avoid the suspension at least. If you wish to discuss it further, you may call me at 863 648-1700.

Dan

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Answered on 2/23/02, 4:56 pm


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