OWI and possession of marijuana

[stonefox87]

I am from Michigan. I am 17 years old. I was pulled over for supposedly speeding (68 in a 55) which i disagree with and was never actually charged for. The officer said he smelt alcohol and made me get out of the car. I did so and copperated. My car was searched where they found a small amount of marijuana (1 to 2 grams at the very most) in my purse and a pipe in my friends possession. I was arrested and my friend was let go. I was charged with an OWI and possession of marijuana. I need to know if I need a lawyer for my arraignment and I would also like to know what kind of punishments I'm looking at such as fines, community service, probation, drug programs, and how long I will lose my license for. This is my first offense of any kind involving the law. Any advice or information would be greatly appriciated.

 

[seniorjudge]

Standard answer

Here are some hints on appearing in court:

Dress professionally in clean clothes.

Do not wear message shirts.

Don't chew gum, smoke, or eat.

Bathe and wash your hair.

Go to court beforehand some day before you actually have to go to watch how things go.

Speak politely and deferentially. If you argue or dispute something, do it professionally and without emotion.

Ask the court clerk who you talk to about a diversion (meaning you want to plead to a different, lesser charge), if applicable in your situation.


Here are five stories that criminal court judges hear the most (and I suggest you do not use them or variations of them):

1. I’ve been saved! (This is not religion specific; folks from all kinds of religious backgrounds use this one.)

2. My girlfriend/mother/sister/daughter is pregnant/sick/dying/dead/crippled and needs my help.

3. I’ve got a job in [name a state five hundred miles away].

4. This is the first time I ever did this.

5. You’ve got the wrong guy. (A variation of this one is the phantom defendant story: “It wasn’t me driving, it was a hitchhiker I picked up. He wrecked the car, drug me behind the wheel then took off.”)

https://forum.freeadvice.com/showthread.php?p=854687#post854687

Other people may give you other advice; stand by.