I wasnt paying attention and sold a beer to a ABC sting agent. I've been bartending for 13 years without an incident. Never been in legal trouble. Can't even remember my last speeding ticket. What should I do? Court date is in a month.
2007-03-14 17:11:58 · 11 answers · asked by gmanxman 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
13 years is in your favor, but to be on the safe side i would get a good lawyer.
2007-03-14 17:15:21 · answer #1 · answered by nurse_driller 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Virginia ABC prosecutes these cases seriously. It is not like a traffic ticket where the cop may care less about the ticket because he does 200 a month. In this case, you have an undercover ABC officer who wants to make an example out of you to prove to his agency head that he is doing his job. If this was happening to me, I would immediately start calling lawyers to get their advice. You can also use that opportunity to see if any of them have a reasonable legal fee. If, after speaking with a lawyer, you decide to go it alone (not recommended) and you get to court and it looks like it is going to be bad for you, you can then try to ask the judge for a continuance so that you can go out and hire a lawyer. Judges in Virginia will often agree to continue the case to a later date if it is the first time you have been called to appear in the case. Remember, anything you say can and will be used against you.... It is usually better to have a lawyer do the talking, especially if you have your livelihood on the line.
2007-03-16 13:44:36 · answer #2 · answered by Attorney Stephen M. Terpak 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Were you arrested, booked, and have to bond out or just given a summons? If it was the latter, rather than pay $1000 or so to a lawyer just go on your own. If it's serious enough the judge will ask if you have retained counsel and should give you a continuance in order to get one. Otherwise, just plead your case, be honest and forthright and you should get off with a fine and court costs. It's all a scam about money.
2007-03-15 18:58:29 · answer #3 · answered by Col. Forbin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What's the worst that can happen. Fine or jail time?? If it's just a fine, how large? Is your job at stake?
If you are simply looking at a small fine, you plead guilty, pay the fine and be more careful in the future. However, if the consequences are truly serious, get a lawyer.
2007-03-15 02:31:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Although nobody likes it, hire a lawyer. It's always better have representation than to try to do it yourself. Remember, the prosecutor is a lawyer. Don't be pound wise and peeny foolish.
2007-03-15 20:00:09 · answer #5 · answered by Paul G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may be able to get off with a lesser charge if you plead guilty. It would also help if you can prove your bar has not sold liquor to kids before and is a respectable business.
2007-03-15 00:15:08 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am sorry to say this, but yes -- hire an attorney immediately. A friend had an absolutely stunning outcome in court recently because she trusted the system to recognize her absolute, utter innocence. They failed to notice.
Good luck to you.
2007-03-15 00:18:49 · answer #7 · answered by talkingofmichelangelo 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest it. Perhaps you should contact your place of employment and have it so no minors can get in after a certain time of the day. That way you will not have this problem.
2007-03-15 00:15:41 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes... you need legal counsel... they will try to make an example of you !
2007-03-15 00:20:57 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
brimng a laywer.
2007-03-15 00:15:41 · answer #10 · answered by skcs11 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋