I got arrested for 11357(b), but purchased a plane ticket before the arrest.
I recently bought a plane ticket for Hawaii, and will be sent to a third world country to help people in need for 6 months as part of a volunteer project. About a week after the purchase, me, a friend, and his two friends were arrested for possession of marijuana. My flight leaves in 8 days, and my court hearing is in 22 days. I am planning on pleading not guilty, as my friend admitted to police that the marijuana was his. Is it possible to extend my court day till June, when I am due to return? I have copies of my itinerary. Also, what steps can I take for a civil infraction instead of a misdemeanor? I am 19 years old, and located in California. I am aware that the new law goes into effect in 2 days, will this help me?