Disability rights on a possession charge?

[Glozelle]

I am from New Jersey. So a few days ago, I was driving home and was stopped. I have been struggling with mental illness and suicidal tendencies since age 6 and have tried a large variety of psychiatric medications to correct this. Recently, I have been with a new psychiatrist and therapist. In the past, I had a known SSRI allergy (a class of medication that covers drugs such as Zoloft, lexapro, Prozac, etc.). Despite this, my doctor prescribed lexapro and my therapist agreed. Soon after I took this medication, my mental state worsened. I had no idea where I was or what was happening around me. I would frequently get “zaps” where entire lapses of time were gone. It’s important to mention that due to my mental health issues I am and have been disabled for my entire life and I can only bring in approximately 100 dollars a week (including the money I need to cover expenses.) So on this night, when I was stopped, the officer said he needed to check my car because it had tinted windows (I don’t see how this is a crime, I bought the car with them??) So he tore apart my car and came back with a wrapper that I was unable to recognize, however according to him was the wrapper to an edible. I was at a party before this, however I did not consume any edibles or marijuana products, period. There was a point at said party where I “zapped out” and this could have been dropped any time where I was not coherent. I have a 100% clear record, have never even received a speeding ticket. Knowing I am suffering from an illness that I am actively seeking help for, and on a very fixed income as a result- is there anything the courts can do to help me when I go? I understand that I technically broke the law, however it was not knowingly. The officer told me if I am found guilty it would be around 800 dollars in fines, which clearly is far beyond my means. Is there a form of community service I can do in lieu of parol and hefty fines?

 

[quincy]

I am from New Jersey. So a few days ago, I was driving home and was stopped. I have been struggling with mental illness and suicidal tendencies since age 6 and have tried a large variety of psychiatric medications to correct this. Recently, I have been with a new psychiatrist and therapist. In the past, I had a known SSRI allergy (a class of medication that covers drugs such as Zoloft, lexapro, Prozac, etc.). Despite this, my doctor prescribed lexapro and my therapist agreed. Soon after I took this medication, my mental state worsened. I had no idea where I was or what was happening around me. I would frequently get “zaps” where entire lapses of time were gone. It’s important to mention that due to my mental health issues I am and have been disabled for my entire life and I can only bring in approximately 100 dollars a week (including the money I need to cover expenses.) So on this night, when I was stopped, the officer said he needed to check my car because it had tinted windows (I don’t see how this is a crime, I bought the car with them??) So he tore apart my car and came back with a wrapper that I was unable to recognize, however according to him was the wrapper to an edible. I was at a party before this, however I did not consume any edibles or marijuana products, period. There was a point at said party where I “zapped out” and this could have been dropped any time where I was not coherent. I have a 100% clear record, have never even received a speeding ticket. Knowing I am suffering from an illness that I am actively seeking help for, and on a very fixed income as a result- is there anything the courts can do to help me when I go? I understand that I technically broke the law, however it was not knowingly. The officer told me if I am found guilty it would be around 800 dollars in fines, which clearly is far beyond my means. Is there a form of community service I can do in lieu of parol and hefty fines?

You were charged with possession (and ticketed, I presume, for tinted windows)?

Some courts allow for community service hours instead of paying fines, and courts might also work out a payment plan that fits your budget if community service is not an option.

 

[Glozelle]

Disorderly persons offense for carrying less than 50 grams of marijuana/ marijuana paraphernalia.

 

[quincy]

Disorderly persons offense for carrying less than 50 grams of marijuana/ marijuana paraphernalia.

Thanks for answering my question.

If this is your first offense, you will be eligible for a diversion program which will keep your criminal record clean if you meet all of the terms of the program within a probationary period.

You can request extra community service hours in lieu of the fine. It will be up to the judge whether to grant your request.

Good luck.

 

[Glozelle]

Yes, however I was hoping to avoid the probationary period altogether as these were not drugs I consumed nor was I aware of them.

 

[quincy]

Yes, however I was hoping to avoid the probationary period altogether as these were not drugs I consumed nor was I aware of them.

In that case, I recommend you have an attorney in your area assist with your defense.

Good luck.

 

[Glozelle]

Wouldn’t

In that case, I recommend you have an attorney in your area assist with your defense.

Good luck.

would a public defender be able to provide the same type of assistance due to my limited income?

 

[quincy]

Wouldn’t

would a public defender be able to provide the same type of assistance due to my limited income?

How old are you?

A 6 month jail term is possible on conviction, but jail is not a likely outcome. I doubt a public defender will be appointed.

Here is a link to the New Jersey Public Defenders Office with information: http://www.nj.gov/defender/apply/index.shtml/

As a note: Public defenders are not free.

What is the citation number?