Hey guys. I am17 years old and just got caught with alcohol. I am charged with possession of alcohol by a minor. I am not going to jail or anything but I got a180 dollar ticket. My question to you is, I guess, do you think if I plead not guilty if you think I could get off the hook or get the fine lowered? My defense would be that I didnot pay for the alcohol and it was not mine. Do you think this defense could work? and please...no insults,I feel like sh*t about this as it is.
2007-01-20 13:30:20 · 25 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
If you plead guilty, there is no defense and you're not getting off the hook. You're guilty, and that's the end of it. The only question is what the punishment will be.
Your question is - should you plead innocent because it was not your alcohol, so you were not in "possession?"
That is a tricky question that depends on the laws in your state. The truth is, you should get an attorney to deal with this. It may be just a ticket, but you may end up with a misdemeanor on your record that will follow you around.
You never know where you'll end up in the future, or what job you'll be trying to get - so it's better to get an attorney. It's worth the money to make the whole issue disappear rather than deal with it for the rest of your life.
2007-01-20 13:37:35 · answer #1 · answered by trader_dude_turned_surfer 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
First of all, no your defense would not work. You were in possession of the alcohol, and even in your question here, you are not disputing that fact. You being in possession of the alcohol and being under the legal age is a crime that you did commit.
You should talk to the judge about what was going on and ask the judge for more community service hours instead of paying the fine. There pretty much is no way that the judge is going to let you "off the hook". You will more than likely still have to pay the fine, or do some community service, or even both.
Just talk to the judge and see what you can work out.
Good luck.
2007-01-20 18:14:25 · answer #2 · answered by deftonehead778 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
In my opinion, the defense that you didn't pay for it and it wasn't yours may or may not work depending on what the officer saw. For example, if you were alone and had it with you, you wouldn't have a chance, but if you were with friends and it wasn't in your hand, then maybe, but there's probably little chance since the officer probably made that call when you were caught. It's hard to say when we don't know the circumstances. Also, "it wasn't mine" is a defense they hear very often, so they are probably less likely to believe it. Although you'll probably get stuck with the fine, you're young and it probably won't end up being a big deal (unless there were more extreme circumstances, like you were driving). Good luck and remember, this too shall pass!
Ignore the fools on here who want to make you feel worse. Everyone makes mistakes. I've made bigger ones than this and I'm sure they have too. You live and learn.
2007-01-20 17:33:00 · answer #3 · answered by Grace1228 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nope, no defense. And if you go into court and start making excuses you're just going to piss off the judge and he'll probably go harder on you. Not sure where you are, but in California, you can often plead guilty, take an alcohol awareness class and the whole thing is taken off your record. If, on the other hand, you plead not guilty, fight it and get convicted anyway, you'll lose your license for a year and pay the fine. Like I said, man up and take some responsibility for what you did. Everybody makes mistakes, it's how we deal with them that matters.
2007-01-20 15:42:14 · answer #4 · answered by Max 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your defense is not relavant, You are charged with possession of alcohol by a minor. Since you are a minor and you stated that the alcohol was in your possession you have no defence. Go to court, dress in a suit and tie, admit guilt and apologize to the court and the officer and tell the judge that you will accept whatever he rules. If you have a clean record, you might just pull it off. remember, when in court be on your best behavior and best appearence....... go in looking like a gangsta' with a ton of attitude and you will see the inside of the jail.
2007-01-20 15:21:50 · answer #5 · answered by Richard P 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
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2016-10-31 21:11:02 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to the Town Prosecutor first. DO NOT make excuses - you did it. Maybe you could get the fine lowered (if you have some good points in your favor - like saving for college) or you could suggest Community Service in lieu of a monetary penalty, or a combination thereof.
Plead "not guilty" just to get a Court date - but don't pretend you aren't guilty.
You should act suitably grateful that you are NOT going to jail, but maybe you could get the fine reduced.
2007-01-20 13:41:25 · answer #7 · answered by 34th B.G. - USAAF 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this is not an insult. just take it as a life lesson. you have to pay for your consequences. if you don't, someone else will. like you have stated you're not going to jail or anything. just pay the ticket, and the next time you think about drinking make sure you have the money to pay. you might ask if you could do community service instead of paying the ticket. good luck, and just take responsibility for your actions instead of putting it on someone else.
2007-01-20 13:37:56 · answer #8 · answered by lidakamo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ain't worth potentially ticking off a Judge or wasting our Tax dollars-Plead no contest and pay the fine-it is no worse than a speeding ticket!
However, depending on local Statutes, you might try asking for Deferred Judification, If you have not had previous problems you might be able to get it, if you behave for 6 Mo.s to a year, it will get removed from your record!
They still get your $$$$$$
Good Luck- Been there done that!!!
2007-01-20 13:38:35 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Forget about it as a defense. The charge is not about who bought it, it is the fact that you are a minor and had it in your possession. That's the law. Plead guilty and take your punishment.
2007-01-20 13:38:34 · answer #10 · answered by Les E 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋