Legal Question in Criminal Law in Ohio

I have been charged with: drug paraphenalia (Ohio Revised Code Title 29, 2925.14(C)(1)) and possession of marijuana (Ohio Revised Code Title 29, 2925.11 (A)(C)(3)(a). It is my understanding that the bag the marijuana was in is the cause for the paraphenalia charge. I recieved the summons today (07/19/2010) at about 7:00 and my court date is Wednesday (07/21/2010) at 10:30. I have looked online for legal aid, but cannot find an agency that advises on criminal law. I have no criminal record and have never appeared or been charged in criminal court proceedings. I am currently unemployed and and cannot afford to hire an attorney.

Question 1: Will entering a not guilty plea incur additional court costs?

Question 2: Can I contact the public defender tomarrow or do I have to wait until I request one at the initail trial date?

Question 3: The possession charge doesn't bother me nearly as much as the paraphenalia charge as the former is a minor misdemeanor in Ohio. Am I likely to get a prosecutor to drop the para. charge in favor of a guilty plea for the possession?

Any advice or help will be greatly appreciated.


Asked on 7/19/10, 6:13 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Neil Rubin Neil S. Rubin, Attorney at Law, LLC

This message is not meant to: 1) contain my signature; 2) contain legal advice; 3) create an attorney/client relationship; or 4) guarantee confidentiality.

You should plead not guilty at the arraignment and advise the court (judge) you are indigent and can not afford an attorney. If the court agrees, the judge must assign you a public defender.

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Answered on 7/23/10, 9:49 am


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