Do I need a lawyer to try and get diversionprogram or am I able to ask the judge about this on my own?
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Do I need a lawyer to try and get diversionprogram or am I able to ask the judge about this on my own?
Charges are drug possession about a gram and drug paraphernalia? This is my first arrest ever; my record was previously clean. Should I plead guilty and try to get diversion or plead not guilty and talk to a public defender to work something out and then change my plea to guilty?
Asked on July 13, 2011 under Criminal Law, Ohio
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Listen, it is always good to have someone there to run interference for you in these type of cases. Ask for a public defender. Then ask your attorney about getting you in to a program NOW before yo even go to the first hearing on the matter. This will show the court that you just made a one time error in judgement and that you have no intention of letting this be a pattern the rest of your life. Even if you have to pay for the program privately your self you should consider it. It may help get the charges reduced or even dismissed after a probationary period. Talk about your options because a conviction could follow you the rest of your life. Good luck.
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