The short answer is: absolutely not! Don’t pay a citation and plead guilty without talking to a criminal defense attorney first. Mishandling a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge in North Carolina can cause you to have lasting effects on your criminal record. If you “pay off” a marijuana charge you will be pleading guilty to a class 3 misdemeanor that carries a maximum penalty of twenty days in jail and a $200 fine and will stay on your NC criminal record.
Our criminal defense law firm is experienced with these cases and we want to evaluate your case to see if you have the option to earn a dismissal of this criminal charge. If you have been charged with marijuana possession or a possession of marijuana paraphernalia charge in the Raleigh area, we would want to defend your rights and your future by helping you through the confusing court process. If this is your first time receiving marijuana possession charge like this, we understand navigating the court system can seem overwhelming – let us help you! We would want to discuss getting you enrolled in a first offender program that would allow you to earn a dismissal of your charge through drug or alcohol awareness classes.
When/if the case is dismissed, our law firm goes the extra step to assist you through the expungement process. The expungement process is what will remove the drug crime charge and the dismissal from showing on your criminal record. A dismissal will show on your North Carolina criminal record until it is expunged.
We strongly advise talking with an attorney to discuss your possible options and to ensure your charges are handled in an appropriate manner. If you are looking for an attorney to help you with your marijuana ticket contact Granados Law Group, PLLC at 919-650-2851 for a free consultation.
