Do I need a lawyer for my case?

Question

I am a seventeen year old male living in Atlanta Georgia and I was recently caught with about a gram of marijuana. I have been in trouble once before when I was arrested for shoplifting as a juvenile but I was told that my juvenile record would be sealed once I turn seventeen and the courts would not be able to access it for this case. I was charged with posession of less than an ounce and I was put in jail. My mother came to the jail and posted my bond which was $1105 and I was released at around 2 o' clock in the morning. I am doing well in school and hope to go to a good college next year. I know that having this misdemeanor on my record will look terrible and I want it to be cleared from my record. I am still in school so it is difficult for me to earn money to pay for a lawyer. Will the court most definitely offer me a plan or a course to have this offense expunged from my record or do I absolutely need a lawyer for my case?

Answer 1

IF I  WAS YOU I WOULD GET A LAWYER . BECAUSE IT WILL HELP IN THE LONG RUN . THEY COULD CHARGE YOU AS A AUDILT. IN THIS CASE DEPENDS WHEN YOUR BIRTH DAY IS. GET A LAWYER .

Answer 2

You need a lawyer.  The court will not help you, they are there to sentence you.

Answer 3

For a gram or less the penalty is usually just a fine, some classes, and a dismissal; at least that's how they do it on the West Coast.  I'm guessing that Georgia sees 17 as the age of majority?  I say that since juveniles don't get a bond.  Frankly, I'm surprised they required a bond at all given the small amount, usually I've just seen a citation to appear.  

If you're doing well in school, get your transcripts so you can give them to the court.  Also, get any letters of recommendation you can from teachers.  Essentially, you don't want an expungement.  An expungement clears your record after you plead guilty.  You want the DA to continue your case until you've completed classes and a fine and then dismiss.  

When you go to court the first time, there's no harm in asking the judge what he/she will do with your case.  If you're not comfortable with the answer, ask to speak with a public defender.  If you're not happy with the public defender, you can always hire a private attorney later.