Drug Paraphernalia Possession Questions?
Question by Gkdasj Skdjfakj: Drug Paraphernalia Possession Questions?
I was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia (marijuana pipe) in Colorado in 2012. I was and still am a minor and had a few questions regarding certain topics.
I was issued a court date, faced a judge, plead guilty (obviously they had evidence), was charged with $ 100 fine, no community service/probation, etc. and then was free to go. My questions are:
Is this on my ‘record’? If so for how long and who can view it?
I’m filling out employment applications and they ask if I was charged with any crimes, not felonies, but how should I respond? I could be honest and say yes and explain later on if I was called for an interview or should I answer no because it was dismissed so easily and in the past and I’m not even sure if it is still sticking to me on my record.
Any help is appreciated, I’m really struggling trying to figure this out on my own.
Also this is a spam email account and to remain anonymous for things like this, hence the strange name for anyone who’s wondering.
Best answer:
Answer by Mike
This can vary. When you say you were a minor, do you mean under 18? Because a “Marijuana Pipe” is not made for marijuana. It’s made for tobacco, along with vaporizers and bongs. So if you’re over 18, you can legally have possession of those things. However, if your under 18, it is illegal to buy and possess tobacco paraphernalia. Honestly, I don’t think many employers are going make a big deal about it but it MAY have an effect on your application if the employer is really stuck up lol. I was charged with the possession of an ounce of marijuana and had to pay a $ 3000 fine and I was lucky I didn’t go to jail because I was 18. However, I put this on my application and I was still hired. Like I said before, it really depends on the boss. Some bosses are really cool and mellow while others are really tightly wound and would never hire an employee who committed a misdemeanor into their business that means everything to them. It also can depend on the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a job at a pharmacy, and you say on your application that you were arrested for the smuggling of illegal narcotics, you probably won’t get that job. Haha you know what I mean? It’s up to you if you want to be honest or not. I doubt they’re going to look up the criminal records of a kid. And if they do and question you about it, just make something up like it was your older brother’s tobacco pipe (if you have an older sibling) or something like that. You’ll be fine. Good Luck!
Answer by Diana B
When you plead guilty, you are convicted and have a record.
“for how long and who can view it?”
A criminal conviction is permanent, subject to very specific laws about expungment. or protection of youthful offender records. You need to know if you were classified as some kind of youthful offender. You can then check your state’s laws about how these records are checked. Try going to your court and seeing if you can; get some certificate of disposition in your case.
” they ask if I was charged with any crimes”
Hmmm, they’re only supposed to ask about convictions, not just being charged.
“should I answer no because it was dismissed so easily ”
Dismissed? You said you pleaded guilty. Where did you get the idea it was dismissed?
2012 was NOT that long ago.
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