Paraphernalia Charge

[harper]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Maryland

I got pulled over with my friend around 3 AM in the morning coming back from Wendys. My friend ended up getting a DUI while I didn't even get breathalyzed or anything and just ended up with a drug paraphernalia charge with intent to use because of a waterbottle made into a bowl. I'm currently 18 and going onto college.

-First off is there anyway to postpone the court date til i'm off for any type of break? (my college is in NY, while my court date is in Maryland)

-Second, do I try to plead not guilty and say I was covering for my friend and say that they can piss test me and I will come up negative? Or do I plead no contest? (which is hopefully for my understanding that I take the blame but will do everything in my power to keep it off my record) If that's not no contest plea, then how do i say that in court?

-P.S - I have no background criminal history, this is the first offense. And there was NO marijuana found in the car. Only the paraphernalia.

Thanks for your time and advice.

[Arvind]

I don't plan on getting an attorney, just a public defender or whatever they give me.







Public defenders ARE attorneys.
And they aren't free.









I don't believe this is that serious as in my consequences will be a drug class and community service hours.







And a fine, and a criminal record.
AND - and this is the best part - disqualification for Federal financial aid for college for at least two years.
Forever if you end up with a second drug related conviction.









I just want to go with the option that will get this off my record. forever.







That's why you need an attorney.

[Bayhard]

Public defenders aren't some sort of default you get when you're disinclined to get a lawyer.
They are provided for the indigent who can not afford to get a lawyer.

What you will "get" with your strategy is a $500 fine and a criminal record which may make certain financial aid, etc... difficuilt.

If you had a lawyer or at lease a clue, you might get a stet or other diversion.

[hrafn]

I don't plan on getting an attorney, just a public defender or whatever they give me. I don't believe this is that serious as in my consequences will be a drug class and community service hours. What happens when I plead not guilty? I just want to go with the option that will get this off my record. forever.

[Hariman]

-First off is there anyway to postpone the court date til i'm off for any type of break? (my college is in NY, while my court date is in Maryland)







You can ask the court to postpone the date, but if they say no, you have to show up on the appointed date.









-Second, do I try to plead not guilty and say I was covering for my friend and say that they can piss test me and I will come up negative? Or do I plead no contest? (which is hopefully for my understanding that I take the blame but will do everything in my power to keep it off my record) If that's not no contest plea, then how do i say that in court?







Get an attorney and plead Not Guilty.