Possession of Marijuana in Louisiana?

[mace]

I was at a friend's house smoking. Cop's showed up and were allowed into the house. They told us to put all of our weed (could easily be smelled) on the counter next to our ID. I did so, and was charged with Possession of Marijuana and Paraphernalia (I only had about 2 grams on me). I'm 17 and this is my first offence. I live with my parents and will be living with them until (most likely) August, after I've completed my summer school and have received my diploma. However, my court date is July 18. My parents don't know, and I don't want them to. I work 2 jobs, but I can't afford a lawyer. I was planning to enlist in the Marine Corps before 2013. Pending a waiver, I'll still be able to sign into the Corps as long as I'm not on probation. What should my course of action be? I want to enlist ASAP. Would my wanting to enlist have any affect on my sentence? Any help is appreciated.

[darce]

Well, your life will be taking a different turn than what you had planned. Since you signed a statement admitting possession of marijuana, you will be found guilty on July 18th. That much is cut and dried.

In Louisiana, possession of any amount of marijuana for a first offense is a misdemeanor, and is punishable by six months in jail and a $500 fine. You will have a criminal record for the rest of your life.

You will not be joining the Marine Corps. The service branches were looking for anything that could breathe and hold a rifle a few years ago, but now, none of the branches are taking anyone with any criminal records, and especially no drug related crimes. Unless the US involvement in some war requires the sudden expansion of the military, you will never be in the service.

Your parents will know about the drug bust, as you will probably be sentenced to jail for a while, and will be responsible for some fines.

This isn't the end of the world, but it is a wake up call. Pull your head out of your *** and grow up. Smoking pot is going to make your life a living hell if you keep it up.

- Stuart