I was recently leaving Maryland from a job interview and was caught with a knife in my bag at the airport security check. I forgot I had it in there and they confiscated it and gave me citation where I would have to appear in court. This was my first time flying and I was in another city, where the crime rate is high, and by myself. I had it for protection but thankfully never had to use it. Im 23 with no previous record but a speeding ticket. I am college educated and was there for a interview as mentioned. I do have a job but it is not good enough to pay for a lawyer. I wanted to know first, do I need a lawyer? Second if I do, what would the fees be if I just had to conjure up some money to pay? Next would I face any jail time because I really do not want that to happen? Would I have to travel all the way back to Maryland for this or can I reach an agreement with the courts on the phone to pay a fine(I'm from FL)? I'm really nervous and I don't want this to affect my future. Please help. And if you have any other information on a case like this please let me know.

Hello fish:

You'll have to tell me what they charged you with. I didn't think possessing a knife was a crime. I still don't.

excon

The citation doesn't say. It just has 'carry unauthorized weapon prohibited in airport screening area black in color'. It was also a butterfly knife. Does that help?

Hello again, f:

Does it tell you when and what court you have to appear in?? I don't think you have a citation. I think you have a receipt.

excon

It just tells me the location of the court but the officer mentioned that some papers will be mailed to me explaining the date and time.

I don't think you can appear in court via a telephone call for this one. You'll have to appear in person. Regardless of how much money don't have if you don't want a criminal record I'd show up and ask for a public defender if you don't have the money for a private attorney which would probably be in the neighborhood of at least $1,500+. Good criminal attorneys are not cheap. Having the knife in your luggage is a huge no, no regardless if this is your first time flying or not. Butterfly knives are not for amateurs either like a regular fold out pocket knife.

Call up the clerk's office and find out just when and where you need to be and BE THERE in person.