Legal Question in Criminal Law in Indiana

My first drug conviction.

Hi, I'm a 20 year old college student (full time) facing my first criminal conviction for possesion of marijuana less than 30 grams. Since my arrest I was enrolled into probation and was violated for dirty urine. That was 3 months ago and after that happend I enrolled myself into a drug counseling program. I'm clean for the first time in a long time and passing urine screens. Im facing 60 days in a county jail which would be a death sentence for my college career (((Serving this time would force me to drop out of school and after one semester of unenrollment I will longer recieve funds))). This is my question, would highering my own lawyer make any differences in getting a lesser sentence or am I just screwed? Would I be better off with a public defender since I see no way to get a lighter sentence? I've recently heard of drug addicts getting sentenced to drug counseling instead of jailtime. Is there anything at all I can do to get any relief on the time required of me.

Thank you in advance for any advice provided.


Asked on 4/01/09, 11:32 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Gregory Coleman Coleman Law Office

Re: My first drug conviction.

Sometimes it does help having your own attorney.

You could also request home detention, meaning you'd only be able to go to school and work and then home. The other thing is, you could ask that if you do have to serve time that you have a delayed sentence...when school is out for the summer. If they give you 60 days, you only have to serve 30. Call me if you have any questions!

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Answered on 4/02/09, 12:23 am


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