G
GrtWht
Guest
Ok, a little over a month ago I get caught with about a gram of Marijuana on me in Chico, CA. I am written up for 11357 (possesion of marijuana). This is my first time with a criminal offense on my record, and from what I have read, there is no other circumstances (ie. during a HS, etc.), where I other fines could be added on.
Now what has me worried is this. I've gone through the CA Penal code, and found out that the fine should be no more than $100 (plus payment plan fees?). But recently I've ran into a couple people who have been caught with the same crime. One of them showed me the end result from going to court which was a paper that had a "Fine" the judge was required to fill in, and in the space it was something around $400. Thid kid had way under an ounce, and was cited for the same crime I am. From what I understand the way court is handled is I basicaly show up, and then they ask if I want to plead guilty or non guilty. If I plead guilty and the judge gives me the $400 fine, I guess I'm stuck with it?
Is there any reason that a fine would be $400 (court fee's??).
How do I handle court? It says I must show up before Nov 5. (do I just go there at any time, sign in, and pay?)
ANY help/advice would be greatly appreciated (but keep in mind I am a poor college student, so lawyer, etc. is out of the picture).
If anyone who has been through this in CA could AIM me my SN is GrtWht88, and that would also be most helpfull.
Now what has me worried is this. I've gone through the CA Penal code, and found out that the fine should be no more than $100 (plus payment plan fees?). But recently I've ran into a couple people who have been caught with the same crime. One of them showed me the end result from going to court which was a paper that had a "Fine" the judge was required to fill in, and in the space it was something around $400. Thid kid had way under an ounce, and was cited for the same crime I am. From what I understand the way court is handled is I basicaly show up, and then they ask if I want to plead guilty or non guilty. If I plead guilty and the judge gives me the $400 fine, I guess I'm stuck with it?
Is there any reason that a fine would be $400 (court fee's??).
How do I handle court? It says I must show up before Nov 5. (do I just go there at any time, sign in, and pay?)
ANY help/advice would be greatly appreciated (but keep in mind I am a poor college student, so lawyer, etc. is out of the picture).
If anyone who has been through this in CA could AIM me my SN is GrtWht88, and that would also be most helpfull.