Shamefully, 8 years ago, I was pulled over by the police after leaving my bartending job and was stopped and searched. I was arrested for cocaine (small amount found in a pocket of a jacket in the back of my car) possession and dui with refusal. I chose drug court since it was explained that if I met all of the requirements that the state would drop the charges. I met all of the requirements, and stood in the courtroom the day the charges were dropped where I clearly heard someone (state's attorney?) say to me "the state of Florida hearby drops the charges". I noticed in the county courthouse paperwork filed on that very date with "adjudication withheld" stamped across it which prompted my to have a backround check conductud on myself and the attorney told me the same thing. How can this be?
My main issue is with the dui that was reduced to a reckless driving. I obviously had an attorney represent me. At the time, I was under the impression that getting the dui reduced was a wonderful thing since reckless driving wasn't necessarily criminal and I could get it sealed/expunged. Boy, was I wrong! I have been trying to get the information on how the reckless was closed. What are the chances my lawyer would have gotten me an adjudication withheld (yes, that would be a good thing in this charge)? What makes a judge decide between guilty and adjutication withheld in these instances?
This mistake has caused me repercussions that I have been dealing with and will continue to deal with for a life time. I have a very good job. That being said, it is working for my family business! I feel like my options are severely limited. For instance, why finish my Bachelors......I will never get any other job! I live my life in constant fear that this is going to make me suffer forever.
My questions are, if not clearly stated above:
1. Why is my dropped drug charge showing up as an adjudication withheld?
2. What are the chances that my attorney was able to plea the reckless with adjudication withheld?
Please excuse my verbage and typos.
My main issue is with the dui that was reduced to a reckless driving. I obviously had an attorney represent me. At the time, I was under the impression that getting the dui reduced was a wonderful thing since reckless driving wasn't necessarily criminal and I could get it sealed/expunged. Boy, was I wrong! I have been trying to get the information on how the reckless was closed. What are the chances my lawyer would have gotten me an adjudication withheld (yes, that would be a good thing in this charge)? What makes a judge decide between guilty and adjutication withheld in these instances?
This mistake has caused me repercussions that I have been dealing with and will continue to deal with for a life time. I have a very good job. That being said, it is working for my family business! I feel like my options are severely limited. For instance, why finish my Bachelors......I will never get any other job! I live my life in constant fear that this is going to make me suffer forever.
My questions are, if not clearly stated above:
1. Why is my dropped drug charge showing up as an adjudication withheld?
2. What are the chances that my attorney was able to plea the reckless with adjudication withheld?
Please excuse my verbage and typos.
