I got charged with Simple Possession of Marijuana under 30 grams in Ontario...

Question

Just looking for advice from someone who may have been in the same boat...

I was going through a ride program when the OPP officer noticed that i had a grinder and scissors on the floor of my car. I was then told to pull over so the police could search my vehicle for drugs. They found 17 grams of pot in my backseat.

I was given a ticket and released that night, and am expected to appear in court in the next 7 weeks. I am however EXTREMELY worried... WHAT HAPPENS NOW? DO I NEED A LAWYER? What will my punishment be, please remember that I live in Ontario Canada. Also i am a student who works full time and have no criminal history.

Anyways any feedback would be great.

Answer 1

if you dont have a prior conviction of any kind you will definately not be saddled with a criminal record even without a lawyer for 17 grams of personal pot.  You'll be given a condiitonal or unconditional discharge (neither which gives you a criminal record) maybe with you having to attend a course on evils of weed or a fine or something similar.  Stop losing sleep and no I wouldnt fork out lawyer money.  .  If you were caught selling it ..okay be concerned but for personal possesion..no way/.

Go to your court date as per your summons and explain to the judge your working and a student and never been in trouble before.  You were going to a party and stupidly bought some weed to go with.  You now realize how dumb it was blah blah ..

No judge in canada will give you a criminal record based on 17 grams of pot.