Penalty

Plainview85

In Cork,
Does anyone know what he can expect next, or what he can do?

Potatoeman

Plainview85 wrote: »

In Cork, a friend of mine was found with less than half a gram of drugs, it might be coke, he's not sure.he was given a caution and was told the drugs would be tested,then he would be notified whether it would stay a caution or be prosecuted.H co-operated fully with everything he was asked to do
Does anyone know what he can expect next, or what he can do?

I had a friend busted with a small bit of weed years back. He asked to be put on a probation order (not sure the exact name). Which would be removed from his record as long as he didnt get in trouble again.

PLUG71

Plainview85 wrote: »

In Cork, a friend of mine was found with less than half a gram of drugs, it might be coke, he's not sure.he was given a caution and was told the drugs would be tested,then he would be notified whether it would stay a caution or be prosecuted.H co-operated fully with everything he was asked to do
Does anyone know what he can expect next, or what he can do?

That old chesnut! :rolleyes:

"A friend of mine"

Plainview85

Potatoeman wrote: »

I had a friend busted with a small bit of weed years back. He asked to be put on a probation order (not sure the exact name). Which would be removed from his record as long as he didnt get in trouble again.

Thanks for your help

Potatoeman

Plainview85 wrote: »

Thanks for your help

It not being on his record was the big thing. Travel, jobs etc. I think it has to be a first offence.

Plainview85

Potatoeman wrote: »

It not being on his record was the big thing. Travel, jobs etc. I think it has to be a first offence.

This is his first one, so he has that going for him

Potatoeman

Plainview85 wrote: »

This is his first one, so he has that going for him

Up to the judge as far as I know.

Little CuChulainn

Assuming the Garda goes ahead with the prosecution, a good solicitor could get him probation with no record, or if he is very decent the judge might even strike the matter out. I'm interested as to how he does not know what the drug was though.

TimeToShine

Little CuChulainn wrote: »

Assuming the Garda goes ahead with the prosecution, a good solicitor could get him probation with no record, or if he is very decent the judge might even strike the matter out. I'm interested as to how he does not know what the drug was though.

I'd say he lied to the OP. Could either be cocaine or MDMA, both class A so it doesn't make a difference really.

Plainview85

TimeToShine wrote: »

I'd say he lied to the OP. Could either be cocaine or MDMA, both class A so it doesn't make a difference really.

That's what I thought, It's almost certainly Class A in any case, so it makes no real difference.
Does probation mean a fine too?

Potatoeman

Plainview85 wrote: »

That's what I thought, It's almost certainly Class A in any case, so it makes no real difference.
Does probation mean a fine too?

My friend had to make a poor box donation. Not sure how much.

Plainview85

Also when I say he doesn't know I mean it, he bought it on a night out, and was told it was coke, but as he never does this sort of thing normally, he wouldn't really know for sure as he might have been just ripped off.

TimeToShine

Plainview85 wrote: »

Also when I say he doesn't know I mean it, he bought it on a night out, and was told it was coke, but as he never does this sort of thing normally, he wouldn't really know for sure as he might have been just ripped off.

It depends on how much he spent. Half a gram of coke is quite a bit more costly than half a gram of MDMA.

Plainview85

TimeToShine wrote: »

It depends on how much he spent. Half a gram of coke is quite a bit more costly than half a gram of MDMA.

cost him 80, was about half empty when the guards took it off him

TimeToShine

80 for a gram is most likely MDMA. Not that it makes a difference but for the sake of safety he should really know what he's buying - someone with that little knowledge should not be buying off random people in nightclubs. Not only was he ripped off - he could have bought something dangerous.

Anyway we've dragged it off topic a bit so apologies.

Plainview85

TimeToShine wrote: »

80 for a gram is MDMA. Not that it makes a difference but for the sake of safety he should really know what he's buying - someone with that little knowledge should not be buying off random people in nightclubs.

Anyway we've dragged it off topic a bit so apologies.

No it's all helpful so it's fine.
Basically lads, is there any chance he could go to jail for such a small amount?

TimeToShine

For a first offense and only carrying enough for personal use? I would go as far as to say not a chance he'll go to jail.

If/when he gets the court summons though it's worth his while to see a solicitor. Better safe than sorry.

Inmyownworld

Most likely would be a fine in the form of a donation to charity or something like that I'd imagine.

Plainview85

Yeah this is pretty much what I thought, thanks for the help guys

Bepolite

Get your friend to do what he should have done BEFORE talking to the guards and get a solicitor.

Plainview85

Bepolite wrote: »

Get your friend to do what he should have done BEFORE talking to the guards and get a solicitor.

Sorry, I'm not quite sure what you mean?

Bepolite

Plainview85 wrote: »

Sorry, I'm not quite sure what you mean?

Before speaking to the guards you are always better to consult a solicitor. Now is far too late but better late than never.

Plainview85

Bepolite wrote: »

Before speaking to the guards you are always better to consult a solicitor. Now is far too late but better late than never.

Ok thanks for your help