What?

[Sordid Saint]

I just got caught by the police for smoking marijuana about 10 minutes ago. They made me call my mom and gave me a $400 (FOUR HUNDRED dollar) fine.

But the law in Massachusetts is different

"Massachusetts marijuana laws reflect this type of legislation, as possession of less than one ounce was lessened to a civil offence, with a penalty of a $100 fine. This legislature for decriminalization became effective on January 2, 2009. This enables the subject and the judge to opt for a probation period, rather than standing trial. Once the probationary period has ended, the charges are removed from the criminal record. "

why are the penalties different for me?

[Sapphire]

Taking advice from an internet site on your individual case is not good.
If you feel that you've been treated unfairly or unlawfully then consult another police officer or a lawyer.

[Rutherford The Brave]

I just got caught by the police for smoking marijuana about 10 minutes ago. They made me call my mom and gave me a $400 (FOUR HUNDRED dollar) fine.

But the law in Massachusetts is different

"Massachusetts marijuana laws reflect this type of legislation, as possession of less than one ounce was lessened to a civil offence, with a penalty of a $100 fine. This legislature for decriminalization became effective on January 2, 2009. This enables the subject and the judge to opt for a probation period, rather than standing trial. Once the probationary period has ended, the charges are removed from the criminal record. "

why are the penalties different for me?

How old are you?

[DarkHorses]

I would trust the police more than I would trust an internet source. You were smoking an illegal drug, and it's your responsibility to pay at least some kind of fine for it. If you feel that the fine they gave you was unjust then you should get legal advice by calling or a law office or the police department.

[staying_alive]

I agree, definitely don't talk about an individual case on the internet. Talk to a lawyer or another police officer. Your age might play a factor in this as well. Whenever someone around here has been caught with weed the police have just taken it away...

How'd your parents take the news?

[danielf123]

cuz some cops are still ignorant to these laws or simply dont care

like here in california
Medical Marijauan patients are not to be arrested if they have less than an ounce on them and have there papers and all but some cops still take them in and all were there not supposed to

The cop is either ignorant of the new law or simply doesnt care

[Sordid Saint]

I agree, definitely don't talk about an individual case on the internet. Talk to a lawyer or another police officer. Your age might play a factor in this as well. Whenever someone around here has been caught with weed the police have just taken it away...

How'd your parents take the news?

My dad is wicked mad, but my mom isn't as mad about the smoking rather than that she has to help me pay a fine.

cuz some cops are still ignorant to these laws or simply dont care

like here in california
Medical Marijauan patients are not to be arrested if they have less than an ounce on them and have there papers and all but some cops still take them in and all were there not supposed to

The cop is either ignorant of the new law or simply doesnt care

You're right. And I completely forgot about my rights (fourth amendment). He asked if he could search me, and I said yes like an idiot. Even though it was a probable cause, there WERE people there before us, so it could have looked like we weren't doing anything wrong. Also, does anyone know if a parent/guardian needs to witness a search of a minor? Because if so, the cop broke the rules.

[Sordid Saint]

Sorry double post

[ledzepmatt1996]

caught smoking is diff. than possession especially in a public area.

[Sordid Saint]

caught smoking is diff. than possession especially in a public area.

We weren't smoking. Nothing was in clear sight, we were just sitting there. He rode up to us (bike cop lmao) and asked us questions about why it smelled like pot. We said there were people there before us smoking (there were) and then he asked to search us. I said yes because I forgot, my friend said no but he didn't even have anything on him lol.

But is it legal for him to search a minor without parental consent or parental witnesses?

[danielf123]

We weren't smoking. Nothing was in clear sight, we were just sitting there. He rode up to us (bike cop lmao) and asked us questions about why it smelled like pot. We said there were people there before us smoking (there were) and then he asked to search us. I said yes because I forgot, my friend said no but he didn't even have anything on him lol.

But is it legal for him to search a minor without parental consent or parental witnesses?


yes actually it is
with enough probable cause or yor permisson he is allowed to serch you

if he couldnt with out parental consent or witness, kids cuz run around with pockets full of drugs and get away with it

[Sapphire]

Daniel is right. He can search you without parental consent - all he needs is probable cause.

If you suspect you have been done out of $300 then contact a lawyer to find out for sure.