Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 09/23/2011 - 08:27
I'm a twenty year-old college student in Boston and I was busted for drug possession and I am guilty. Period. It was a stupid thing and I never used drugs before and I'm never going to use them again. But I just want this to go away so I can move on with things. Is there any way that I can clean this up without having anything permanent on my record? I'm happy to pay a fine or whatever works but I don't want to be dealing with this arrest when I try looking for a job in a couple of years. I'd rather not hire an attorney but my parents say they will pay for it if I need one. Thanks for any help.
Pre-Trial Diversion Program in Massachusetts
You will thank your parents one day. Your best chance of making this go away starts with talking to a MA criminal defense attorney. Plain and simple, an experience attorney can help you deal with criminal charges more effectively than you can on your own. Your attorney will know her way around the court and understand all available tactics. You do not, and nobody will help you out when you get in that courtroom.
To your question, there are things your attorney can do to "make it go away." Maybe your best option will be the Massachusetts Pretrial Diversion Program. Under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 276a, a judge can divert your case directly to a community service program. If you complete the program, your arrest and charges can be dismissed and will not appear on your record. To qualify for the diversion program, the defendant must be between the ages of 17 and 21 and accused of misdemeanor charge as a first offense. Your drug possession charge may qualify.
Talk to your attorney. Even if you do not qualify for the pre-trial diversion program, there are other things she can do to deal with your charges. For example, if there are any issues surrounding your arrest or the discovery of the drugs on your person, your attorney can file a motion to suppress the evidence. I hope that helps. Good luck.
drug possession
You should be aware that the Registry of Motor Vehicles will automatically suspend your driver's license or right to operate a motor vehicle if you are convicted of a drug offense. The length of the license suspension will depend on the charge. Visit my website for more information: http://www.suspendedlicensehelp.com/mass-dui-suspensions-drug-related.asp