Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

Marijuana possession 1st offense

What happens if you don't show for your first hearing for a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge? It is a first offense - in Florida and am now living in Georgia.


Asked on 2/21/09, 9:50 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Thomas Rosenblum Rosenblum Law Offices

Re: Marijuana possession 1st offense

If you failed to appear in court, a capias (warrant) will be issued by the judge. You should have an atty. contact the Court and ask for the capias to be recalled and the case be given another court date.

At that time, your lawyer could either enter a plea of no contest, or you could fight the case if there are grounds such as an illegal stop and search. If you don't have a good defense, since it is a first offense, at least here in North Fla., your sentence would be court costs only. If my office can be of assistance in North Fla., please give us a call. Good luck. Tom Rosenblum

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Answered on 2/23/09, 9:45 am
Joseph Vredevelt Best Vredevelt & Associates

Re: Marijuana possession 1st offense

the judge will issue a bench warrant of about 5000 dollars and the case will remain open until you come down to florida and take care of it. that means that potential employers can see the charge on background checks and you could also have trouble in renewing a license. you should take care of this charge asap. All My Best, Joe Vredevelt 305.670.3119.

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Answered on 2/22/09, 7:46 am
Aaron Slavin Slavin Law Firm, LLC

Re: Marijuana possession 1st offense

That would be a bad mistake. A warrant for Failure to Appear will be put out for your arrest and your driver's license will be suspended. In some cases, you can have a lawyer file paperwork on your behalf and you can enter a Plea in Absentia, without coming back down to Florida.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to contact my law office. If your case is in the Tampa Bay area, I'd be more than happy to assist you.

Good luck.

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Answered on 2/22/09, 4:17 am


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