cops dont go by grams or ounces. I was caught a few months ago with just under 3 grams of weed but it was marked down as possession of marijuana under 40 grams. It also depends on your state, i also had to pay $450 dollars, 300 some was for the weed and paraphenelia and the rest for court costs. But then again u said he reported it as 1/2 ounce?? i just got a ticket with my shit written on it and the cop told me i had alot of weed even though 3 grams aint shit.