I went to jail on my 58th birthday

[Animal Chin]

2. I am sorry you're experiencing this.

You should be allowed to take the medicine you need/want in the privacy of your home, but that's another story.

If a public defender is all you can afford, it's better than nothing. Although risky, one strategy is to take this to trial...refuse to plea bargain on any of the charges. I have read lately about how jury nullification (where a jury recognizes that the defendant is guilty, but for moral or other reasons, refuses to convict) is becoming a serious concern to prosecutors of possession cases. Basically, people have gotten used to the idea that MJ is not crack cocaine and even has benefits. When a jury sees a case like yours, involving possession of a small amount for personal use, they get pissed that the state is spending its resources prosecuting it and refuse to convict. I have read of recent cases in Montana, Arizona, Michigan and Connecticut where this has been publicized.

As I said, it's risky (maybe more so in Mississippi as rural, conservative jurists may be more inclined to apply the rule of law no matter what), but it is definitely worth discussing with your lawyer, public defender or not.

I'm assuming there was no "intent to sell" charge, that your property is not close to a school or public housing and that no contraband was found in your car. Any of those (and probably other) factors might change the analysis...talk to a lawyer!

Good luck and after you've resolved this, consider moving to a more enlightened state.