Legal Question in Criminal Law in North Dakota

zero tolerance fine ?misdemeanor or felony

In 1988 I crossed the border from Canada into N. Dakota driving a borrowed pickup truck. The truck was searched, 0.5 grams of marijuana were in the truck belonging to the owner. I was given a zero tolerance fine of $300, the truck was seized and I bought it back for $500 the same day. I never went to court. The fine was levied and paid for in the customs office on the same day of the offence. Is my fine a misdemeanor or a felony. In either case can I have my record expunged. I live in the US on a ''green card''.


Asked on 2/03/04, 1:33 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Thomas C. Gallagher Gallagher Criminal Defense

Re: zero tolerance fine ?misdemeanor or felony

Since this apparently happened in North Dakota, only a North Dakota licensed lawyer should be able to answer your question. Ask a North Dakota criminal defense lawyer. (Not a Minnesota lawyer.) Since you are a non-citizen, beware immigration consequences, and do not make any applications for change in or renewal of immigration status, or leave the United States, without first consulting an immigration lawyer about this situation! Also -- you would be wise to consult an immigration lawyer about applying for US citizenship. Even with Permanent Resident status, you can be deported in many situations.

Read more
Answered on 2/03/04, 3:57 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in North Dakota