Busted in CA - will it hurt my future?

[gregorama]

I'm not sure how lightly to take this situation, so I've come to these forums in search of help. Anywho, I'm 18 and here's my story:

Last night, a group of my buddies and I were (stupidly) hanging out by a neighborhood park just after blazing. We later separated (I with my close few friends) and the rest of them went off on their own. They eventually started ding-dong ditching while my friends and I were chilling in a car a few blocks down. We thought nothing of it because we were parked quite far (streets over) from where they were fucking around. Apparently, someone called the cops on the ding-dong ditchers, and just our luck, they roll through the street we're parked on and shine their brights at us. The car was pretty beat up and looking suspicious, so they parked in front of us and began questioning.

The first time around they asked the driver if anything was illegal in the car. I had about an 3gs from a sack we all pitched in for. He replied no. They full well knew we had bud on us. The car reeked, my eyes were bloodshot and there was probably visible paraphernalia but they were trying to get the truth out. Repeatedly saying we'd better be telling the fucking truth, don't lie, etc. When the second cop came around to my side of the car (back window) and questioned me, (shining his light and probably seeing little nugs on the floor) I attested to having weed. They didn't make a huge deal out of it. We all sat outside, I was given a ticket to appear in court, we drove home thereafter.

Anywho, the laws are fairly lenient in Cali. It's decriminalized here, and possession of a small amount for person use typically doesn't go on your criminal record (according to NORML).

Here's what it says about decriminalization for CA:
Decriminalization: The state has decriminalized marijuana to some degree. Typically, decriminalization means no prison time or criminal record for first-time possession of a small amount for personal consumption. The conduct is treated like a minor traffic violation.

The link to the full page is here - California - NORML

So, back on track. Basically, I am worried if this will stick to my record like black tar and prevent me from progressing in a career or even getting hired in the first place. I am working part time and going to college. This is my first offense for drugs, however the court may look down on the fact that I got alcohol possession about 2 1/2 months ago (when I was 17). I already went to court for that (different county than where I'm going for this) and did three NA meetings and one 8-hour alcohol class + $150 fine for the misdemeanor to be dismissed. I was 18 at the hearing.

What am I looking at here? Am I perma-flagged in the future? Any advice is appreciated.

gregorama Reviewed by gregorama on 11-23-2007. Busted in CA - will it hurt my future? I'm not sure how lightly to take this situation, so I've come to these forums in search of help. Anywho, I'm 18 and here's my story: Last night, a group of my buddies and I were (stupidly) hanging out by a neighborhood park just after blazing. We later separated (I with my close few friends) and the rest of them went off on their own. They eventually started ding-dong ditching while my friends and I were chilling in a car a few blocks down. We thought nothing of it because we were parked Rating: 5

[gregorama]

EDIT: I mean yesterday as in the night before Thanksgiving.

[Bulster]

I don't know but keep reading the NORML and safeaccessnow.com web sites as they should have the info.
I believe I remember reading that these types of minor offenses go off your record after a couple of years or less. But don't take my word for it.
You can even call one of the lawyers listed on the NORML site, he might spend 5 minutes with you on the phone for free.
Good luck!

[swanman8907]

This is why you never admit to the police that you have marijuana. Unfortunately the car smelled of it which could very well cause them to get a dog but I would always take that chance over incriminating myself. Good luck I hope you don't get screwed as badly as I did!

[Weedywildwoman]

This is why you never admit to the police that you have marijuana. Unfortunately the car smelled of it which could very well cause them to get a dog but I would always take that chance over incriminating myself. Good luck I hope you don't get screwed as badly as I did!

Lying to the cops and then having them find out you are lying makes things a heck of a lot worse. If the car smells like weed the cops have the right to search it and your person anyway, so lying will just piss the cops off and a ticket could turn into a night in jail or worse! Just my thoughts though...:rasta:

[8182KSKUSH]

Just what I have noticed, whilst applying at different places for a job here in Cali at least. Alot of them ask you to list anything that you have been convicted of, excluding marijuana related offenses in the state of California. No lie, seen it with my own eyes on multiple apps, all here in California. Don't worry too much, what's done is done, just deal with it and move on. You never get more than you can handle promise. Go burn one and forget about it. You will be fine.