I was arrested the other night for two misdemeaner and I have court in two days. I don't know what to expect and I am scared to death of what's going to happen to me and how it will affect my future. I've always been a good kid all my life. I'm 20 years old college student with a clean record before all this happened. I am really dissappointed in myself and my poor decisions that night. Please answer any of these questions if you can.
I believe I was charged with an underage and buying alcohol. I am going to plead guilty to drinking underage but I did not buy alcohol that night. I was carrying my older brother's ID that night but I did not use it (I didn't have to because there was already alcohol at the party I went to). What can I expect to happen to me? What kind of fines and penalties should I expect? How will this affect my future with jobs and such? Do you have any tips or advice for when I appear infront of the judge?
2007-12-02 03:41:37 · 11 answers · asked by ZTT477 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I live in Ohio.
2007-12-02 03:54:55 · update #1
Don't plead guilty at your first hearing! Until you actually know what the charges are and speak to a lawyer about them, you should not plead guilty.
The first hearing is the arraignment, where the charges are read to you. You will be asked if you understand the charges and asked for your plea. You will also be asked if you have a lawyer or if you need one to be appointed, if you can't afford one.
After you plead "not guilty" and have a lawyer, talk to your lawyer about what your options are. The lawyer will help you get the best agreement possible, which might include an alcohol diversion program, community service and fines. It is possible that you could successfully complete this program and then have the charges dismissed. But you really need the help of a lawyer to get this done right.
So--go to court, listen carefully, plead not guilty and get a lawyer. Good luck.
2007-12-02 03:57:21 · answer #1 · answered by raichasays 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Worst case, a year in country jail
The best case, a slap on the wrist
Hire a lawyer is probably good advice
If you can't afford one, here is what I would do.
Stand in front of the judge, kiss his ever loving azzz and tell him you screwed up, that you know this could affect your future, to ask for leniency, community service, whatever it takes so that when your sentence is finished, the record is expunged (removed). Tell the judge, in no uncertain terms that you screwed up and you will not let it happen again and that you have never been in trouble before. Act just as scared as you are now.
A good judge will listen and probably do what I said above.
A bad judge will make an example out of you.
I wish you the best of luck.
Peace
Jim
.
2007-12-02 11:56:43 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry, you'll be fine. Just use this as a lesson to stay out of trouble with the law. It's almost better that it happens to you now, while you are young, to sort of "wake you up" and get your head in the ballgame. We all break laws, especially young people around drinking issues, but you have to do it safely so that you don't put yourself in a position to get caught. Anyway, nothing will happen to you of any consequence, they will probably give you a deferment of some sort that will allow this to stay off of your record as long as you don't get into any trouble in the next year. First time offenders get off the hook. Make sure you call the judge Sir or M'aam or Your Honor, and no cute stuff/joking with the judge.
2007-12-02 12:25:24 · answer #3 · answered by The Scorpion 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you are most likely to get probation for about 1 year. if you disobey this probation then you will get fined, and most likely senteneced to jail. you should be sincear, don't act snobby or rude (especially to council and the judge!) and explain the situation thoroughly, in a calm mannor. A misdemeanor is a minor offense, not too big of a deal, but this is on your record for life. Wait until you are 21 to drink. And also say that there was alchohol present as the party, but never bought any. you also will get a fine. Jobs? they won't be too thrilled but as long as you don't commit any other offenses they probably won't mind.
2007-12-02 11:58:29 · answer #4 · answered by LokiandThor 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fine, possibly probation. Since you are over the age of 18 the charges will remain on your record for the rest of your life. Most companies don't bother themselves about misdemeanors.
2007-12-02 11:45:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a lawyer. If you do not know the consequences of pleading guilty to the crime, you better find out before doing so.
2007-12-02 12:00:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
With a good lawyer, I expect you'll get a fine, maybe some alcohol classes, worst case is probation. If you don't have a lawyer, better get one.
2007-12-02 11:47:19 · answer #7 · answered by Freethinker 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
if you would have stolen something it would probably be a slap on the hand but this it will cost about six months probation community service and a fine plus probation cost. good luck.
2007-12-02 11:58:12 · answer #8 · answered by benny h 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fine, probation, community service, depending on where you live you could lose your drivers license.
2007-12-02 11:52:01 · answer #9 · answered by 2Negative 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What state do you live in?
2007-12-02 11:51:51 · answer #10 · answered by iceman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋