Court question?
i got a misdemeanor for possession of under an ounce of marijuana, if i plead guilty will i be put on trial or will i just pay the fine after i plead guilty?
It's up to the judge, if it's your first offense maybe the judge will put you in probation and he is going to order you frequent drug tests to make sure you are not using. Probably he is going to ask you if that marijuana was for personal use or you were trying to sell it, then you say it was for personal use. In drug charges you just don't pay a fine and walk away, but pleading guilty is better that going to trial specially if you in fact are guilty and have no way to try otherwise.
most likely pay a fine and u might get probation as well.
Answer:
The answer is that it depends on what state you are in.
Using Pennsylvania as an example the sentencing for misdemeanor intentionally or knowingly possessing a controlled substance is
'be sentenced to imprisonment not exceeding one year or to pay a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000)'
The reason that the language says 'not exceeding' is so basically the judge can use his discretion based on how bad the crime was, previous record, etc.
Wear nice clothes and be respectful and you will probably just get probation and a fine.
If you plead guilty at the arrainment...which I suggest you do because it looks like you are taking responsibility...there will be no trial, the punishment will be decided by the judge..
If you plea guilty there won't be a trial. The purpose of a trial is to determine if you are guilty or not.
You want to work out a plea bargian before you plea guilty. Talk to your lawyer.
Was this your first count? Under an ounce is usually just a smack on the wrist and a fine but every state is different. Unless you plead not-guilty you will not go to trial. I suggest getting a lawyer and having him plead it down to simple posses ion or possession of a controlled substance and have it taken off your record at age 18. (If you are under 18). The main thing is to consult an attorney.
if you plead guilty, the judge will impose a fine on the spot.
