BUSTED, no ryme or reason

[overmyhead]

Unfortunatly, I think that doing something like this would only create attention to myself, and give the system more of a reason to make an "example" of me. If I wanna come out of this alright I have to keep a low profile and remain as anonymous as possible, especially while my case is pending.
I'm the type of person, who would love to stir shit up and stand for what I believe in, but doing this is easier said than done when your up to your ears in the stink of the system.
I know your just trying to help though, brother and appreciate your posts.
THC

Understood, but they might be able to hook you up with an attorney who is more competent and willing to help. THey brought attention to a case in MS where a nam killed a leo that was part of a wrongful raid on his residence, they got him off death row and are still working to free him. If nothing else it's a great org to check out good videos at reason.tv search for the corey mayes (sp) story.

Stay up.

 

[*mr.mike*]

Exactly what the the guy overmyhead said.

It's not "stirring up" anything. GET A BETTER LAWYER! Get one who knows about dealing with these cases, certainly not someone who will do you no better than a public defender. Definitely look at norml. If you're in Mass., look to Masscann - heck, maybe they could recommend someone to you if you're out of state.

You've gone federal, and that's a HUGE step over state. You NEED help. Don't just walk to your hanging!

I mean "hope" is a nice thing, but there's a reason why they call it "fighting a case" in court.

Imagine if you had skin cancer. Say your doctor told you there was nothing to do about it besides take a vitamin everyday, and that he didn't want to look into it any further....

Would you get a SECOND OPINION?

So far, you're doing exactly what they want you to. They want to fuck you. You are letting them.

 

[Legaldroman]

Thanks for the posts guys.
The biggest problem i have is that my case went federal. The thing that sucks is that it never should have gone beyond state.
I see case after case with people having 200-225+ plants, and still staying at state level. To this day, I still can't believe the feds were interested in my case. The truth is I had less than 100.
I'd love to be able to talk details with you guys so you'd better understand whats going on, but if prying eyes are watching, even if it didn't effect my case, at the very least I'd have to change my user name and that would suck.
Believe me, its frustrating as hell to not be able to let people know where I'm at w/ all this crap but i just can't take that chance.
Maybe I'm being paranoid, i don't know. I see people around here giving all kinds of details about their cases but it seems risky to me.

I can't believe your case went to the feds! Crazy man. Here's the good news if there is any. Worse case scenario, if you do have to serve time, the feds are 100 X's better than state prison, no doubt about it. I know a dude who was in the feds for 2 years for moving 300 pounds...served his time and went right back in the game....he's retired now...things are gonna pull together for you fam, there's lots of people pulling for you. Peace Bro.

 

[THCforus]

Understood, but they might be able to hook you up with an attorney who is more competent and willing to help. THey brought attention to a case in MS where a nam killed a leo that was part of a wrongful raid on his residence, they got him off death row and are still working to free him. If nothing else it's a great org to check out good videos at reason.tv search for the corey mayes (sp) story.

Stay up.

I checked out the site. There's definitely some good info on there.
Good lookin' out, thanks bro.

 

[THCforus]

Exactly what the the guy overmyhead said.

It's not "stirring up" anything. GET A BETTER LAWYER! Get one who knows about dealing with these cases, certainly not someone who will do you no better than a public defender. Definitely look at norml. If you're in Mass., look to Masscann - heck, maybe they could recommend someone to you if you're out of state.

You've gone federal, and that's a HUGE step over state. You NEED help. Don't just walk to your hanging!

I mean "hope" is a nice thing, but there's a reason why they call it "fighting a case" in court.

Imagine if you had skin cancer. Say your doctor told you there was nothing to do about it besides take a vitamin everyday, and that he didn't want to look into it any further....

Would you get a SECOND OPINION?

So far, you're doing exactly what they want you to. They want to fuck you. You are letting them.

I found my lawyer on the normal website.
I think that NORMAL should do a little background research on lawyers who pitch there.
If you look back in this thread, you'd see that i talked about this. Shortly after hiring him, he admitted that the only reason he was on there was because he used to smoke in college and he thinks the laws are unfair. When it comes to general understanding of the cannabis plant or the process of growing he is clueless. {not knowing the difference between leaves, stem or roots}
It seems that I am the first grow case he's attempting to defend.
If I could talk about details you would see that I'm not laying down on this. I've made some decisions against his advisement that turned out to be very good moves, and has changed things in my favor.
Fighting cases on a state level is common practice, and if my case stayed there fighting it would be my only option.
I also know that if you fight a federal case and lose, you are in a world of hurt.
There are many details about my case that you don't know, so please don't assume that I've given up. Just because I don't want to put out details about my case doesn't mean I'm throwin' in the towel.

 

[THCforus]

I should also point out that I've written letters early on through this case, to a couple different org. that can help in situations like mine. The one response i rec., was not what i hoped for. Probably because there are more important cases of people getting screwed who really need their help.
I believe that it all comes down to how much you spend on a lawyer that decides your outcome.

 

[THCforus]

I can't believe your case went to the feds! Crazy man. Here's the good news if there is any. Worse case scenario, if you do have to serve time, the feds are 100 X's better than state prison, no doubt about it. I know a dude who was in the feds for 2 years for moving 300 pounds...served his time and went right back in the game....he's retired now...things are gonna pull together for you fam, there's lots of people pulling for you. Peace Bro.

I hear ya.
I'm probably gonna end up in a fed camp, better food, min. sec., more privileges, exc...
The only thing that sucks is 3yrs. probation for drug offenses, after the fact.

 

[Chimney]

abc123

 

[overmyhead]

Also, I thought that DEA only went after money - that's how they can really hurt crimanal enterprise I really really really hope that they wouldn't wast their resources on hobbyists maybe oneday we'll see all the details of your case. There must be more to it, maybe you could make a movie. Chimney's post just freaked me the heck out. At first I was so afraid to post on this site but now I'm really freaking out. Might tear my cab down for good measure but really mister agent sir(s) I really hope that you guys want to take out the cartels and gangs not a bunch of peaceful folks trying to avoid the criminal element.

 

[cfo]

Got a call from my 21 yr old son last night who lives in North Dakota. He spent the night in jail because he and 2 of his friends were smoking a bowl in his car in a parking lot (stupid!). The cops also found 2 empty baggies so they're charging him with possession as well as paraphernalia. He had to pay $250 to get out of jail and the cops told him he'd probably get fined another $200 at his hearing. Seems pretty harsh for a bowl with ash in it and 2 empty baggies but this is my family's first legal situation with the herb. Is it worth getting an attorney to fight this or just pay the fines and say "lesson learned"? I also told him last night "don't do that shit in public!"

 

[T-type]

Got a call from my 21 yr old son last night who lives in North Dakota. He spent the night in jail because he and 2 of his friends were smoking a bowl in his car in a parking lot (stupid!). The cops also found 2 empty baggies so they're charging him with possession as well as paraphernalia. He had to pay $250 to get out of jail and the cops told him he'd probably get fined another $200 at his hearing. Seems pretty harsh for a bowl with ash in it and 2 empty baggies but this is my family's first legal situation with the herb. Is it worth getting an attorney to fight this or just pay the fines and say "lesson learned"? I also told him last night "don't do that shit in public!"

I would since its his first time being busted. Whenever my lawyer gets me off stuff it just seems like I am paying him instead of the courts. You would be surprised what a paraphernalia and possession charge brings in fines and court costs (i know).

I have also been caught red handed and charged with multiple things only to get it plead out to a lesser non-drug related charge. My record isn't exactly perfect like your sons either.

Either way he will be fine, but with a lawyer he will be better.

 

[Bean Cracker]

THC, I'm sorry to hear that. On what basis did they seize your computer? Did they subpoena internet browsing records too? I'm curious what they are trying to accomplish with that. Maybe you could explain a little more about that? As pathetic as it sounds, I'm learning from your mishap. Thanks for making this thread.

It's not uncommon for phones, answering machines, computers, cameras and video cams to be confiscatable items per the wording of a boiler plate search warrant. I've seen a few and they all allowed for the cops to take the above items. They're looking for ledgers, pics, videos and contact info for other people on the food chain to look into. If they come back clean, there is a possibility of getting them back if you go to trial, but if you take a plea forget about it the state/feds will include as forfeited items per the terms of the plea agreement.

 

[Legaldroman]

Got a call from my 21 yr old son last night who lives in North Dakota. He spent the night in jail because he and 2 of his friends were smoking a bowl in his car in a parking lot (stupid!). The cops also found 2 empty baggies so they're charging him with possession as well as paraphernalia. He had to pay $250 to get out of jail and the cops told him he'd probably get fined another $200 at his hearing. Seems pretty harsh for a bowl with ash in it and 2 empty baggies but this is my family's first legal situation with the herb. Is it worth getting an attorney to fight this or just pay the fines and say "lesson learned"? I also told him last night "don't do that shit in public!"

I'd rather pay an attorney than the courts...At least have your son go and speak with a lawyer, he's going to be fine as long as he learned a lesson, no smoking in public...Best of luck.

 

[cfo]

Thanks for the advice T-type and Legaldroman. I just texted him that I'd help pay for his legal fees if he'll go talk to an attorney. Does anyone know if having a marijuana bust will screw up his chances of getting financial aid for college? I know it used to be the case that if you got busted for drugs you could kiss goodbye your chances of getting student loans or other financial aid.

 

[Bean Cracker]

Does anyone know if having a marijuana bust will screw up his chances of getting financial aid for college? I know it used to be the case that if you got busted for drugs you could kiss goodbye your chances of getting student loans or other financial aid.

A pot conviction can have consequences in certain situations. The threshold question is was he receiving federal financial aid at the time of his bust?

If he was, then he will be subjected to a one year ban unless he enters a treatment program that is eligible for state or federal funds and does at least 3 random drug tests. The one year ban starts from the date of conviction, not arrest.

If he was not receiving federal financial at the time of the bust, then he's good to go with getting aid. If you go to the FAFSA website, they have a worksheet for eligibility. The key here is Federal aid, not school grants or state aid.

On a side note, I know a guy not to long ago that got popped and was still eligible to keep his federal aid because the FAFSA application specifically asks for convictions of possession or sales, not cultivation. That aid put him back on his feet and there was nothing that could be done about it because he convicted of cultivation and was given probation. Nice loophole for US growers that are students.

 

[THCforus]

THC, I'm sorry to hear that. On what basis did they seize your computer? Did they subpoena internet browsing records too? I'm curious what they are trying to accomplish with that. Maybe you could explain a little more about that? As pathetic as it sounds, I'm learning from your mishap. Thanks for making this thread.

Thanks Chimney,
After dealing w/ the plants, the second thing of interest to them was my computer. They know that growers like to photograph their plants and gardens. I'm sure that they try to get as much other info as possible from it as well. How far they can, or are willing to go w/ that, I dont know. When you get raided, nothing is left unturned or personal.
All paperwork and anything handwritten, whether related to the grow or not is confiscated. You wouldn't believe how much unrelated stuff got confiscated. It's not that i think they subpoenaed internet records, it's just that mentioning details could tip off LEO to my identity, and i got enough problems already. call it paranoia, whatever..

 

[THCforus]

Also, I thought that DEA only went after money - that's how they can really hurt crimanal enterprise I really really really hope that they wouldn't wast their resources on hobbyists maybe oneday we'll see all the details of your case. There must be more to it, maybe you could make a movie. Chimney's post just freaked me the heck out. At first I was so afraid to post on this site but now I'm really freaking out. Might tear my cab down for good measure but really mister agent sir(s) I really hope that you guys want to take out the cartels and gangs not a bunch of peaceful folks trying to avoid the criminal element.

Overmyhead,
I hate to burst your bubble my friend, but it seems that they will do just that. I'm learning this the hard way. My show was small potatoes.
I still can't believe that the feds took my case. they've even acknowledged that my grow was nothing compared to what they usually go after. I had no real assets to seize. No fancy boat or jewelry, no home or bank accounts, no stocks or bonds. As much as i hate admitting it, I'm worth nothing. I'm just an average joe trying to make my way through this insanity. Before this happened to me, I would have never thought the DEA would waste their resources on a peaceful cannabis grower. The fact is that the federal government hates what we do, regardless of the size or plant # because it threatens the core of big pharma. Too many people in high places, stand to lose too much money, if ordinary people can go around healing themselves. What would the DEA do without marijuana grows to invade?
I wish i could tell you that there is more to it.
I told you guys the facts that matter.
It would take a seriously touched individual, to carry on this long with falsehood for no reason.
I share my situation with you guys because the support helps.

 

[THCforus]

Got a call from my 21 yr old son last night who lives in North Dakota. He spent the night in jail because he and 2 of his friends were smoking a bowl in his car in a parking lot (stupid!). The cops also found 2 empty baggies so they're charging him with possession as well as paraphernalia. He had to pay $250 to get out of jail and the cops told him he'd probably get fined another $200 at his hearing. Seems pretty harsh for a bowl with ash in it and 2 empty baggies but this is my family's first legal situation with the herb. Is it worth getting an attorney to fight this or just pay the fines and say "lesson learned"? I also told him last night "don't do that shit in public!"

I'd go with a lawyer for even a chance to keep it from going on his record.

 

[THCforus]

It's not uncommon for phones, answering machines, computers, cameras and video cams to be confiscatable items per the wording of a boiler plate search warrant. I've seen a few and they all allowed for the cops to take the above items. They're looking for ledgers, pics, videos and contact info for other people on the food chain to look into. If they come back clean, there is a possibility of getting them back if you go to trial, but if you take a plea forget about it the state/feds will include as forfeited items per the terms of the plea agreement.

Exactly right, straight up.

 

[treewizard]

I'm really sorry for what happened to you. I'm not sure that I personally know of anything that feels worse than being in the system. I haven't had anything that major. Still though I know what its like to throw up in the shower before court, pick up trash with real criminals in orange vests, and have to deal with the court required re-education classes. I can only imagine what you are going through.

As per the "Should we get a lawyer question?" YES!!! These guys (prosecution, defense, and judge) all belong to a club. It is all about buisness. You are going to have to pay out money to somebody. In my experience it is less painfull to just give it to a lawyer. Every time I have thought that something was too minor to warrent it, I get fucked. Honestly the system is the we're here to fuck you buisness. Its just that they seem to fuck you a little less when you throw a bone to one of their homies first.