Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

What to expect at hearing court date for municipal ordinance ?

Hi I have a court date in 3 weeks in broward county for Poss Of Controlled Substance. The case type is a municipal ordinance. I know that is the lowest level and its held in municipal court. Should I be worried going to the first hearing? What are the consequences for a plea of no contest? I only got caught with a clip of cannabis.... scale measured for .04? Should I be looking to hire a lawyer? am I just looking at a fine? or am I looking at drug counseling and community service? Do I really need a lawyer for a municipal ordinance? I really have no defense in this case since he caught me sitting in the car smoking at a parking lot.

I have no prior convictions, never been in trouble and I'm adult


Asked on 6/02/14, 6:53 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Eric Trabin Lucid Legal, PLLC

Possession of Less Than 20 Grams of Cannabis is a state criminal offense punishable by up to a year in jail or a year of probation. It is unlikely that you are merely dealing with a municipal offense.

The consequences for a plea of no contest can vary from anything such as time served/court costs all the way up to a year in jail plus a $1,000 fine. You might be offered pretrial diversion which is a lot like probation except the charges get dropped if you successfully complete it.

You should plead not guilty at your first court date. Give yourself the opportunity to have a lawyer review your case. If you have a lawyer prior to the arraignment then your appearance can be waived. If you plead guilty or no contest at the first court date then you are giving up the chance of having a lawyer review all of the evidence. They may very well be technical or legal reasons why the case should be dismissed. Do yourself a favor and have a lawyer before your court date.

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Answered on 6/02/14, 6:57 am


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