Alcohol & Drugs: MIP, MIC, Intoxication Open Container Citation - Need Advice

I live in Ohio, I received an open container citation and I have to appear in court for a ruling. The offense is Ordinance 4301 section 62. I don't know what it states. The officer never saw the beer cans. He just asked me if I had an open container and I said yes. He wrote me a citation and said I would have to appear in court since it's a criminal charge but he said it's only like a step above a traffic ticket. I have no idea what to do or how to plea and was wondering if I will need a public defender and how to get one. Or should I just plea "No Contest" and hope I don't get too rough of a ruling. Any advice on this situation would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Uphusgm

info

I called the public defenders office for the county it happened in and they informed me that it was a minor misdemeanor and just to plea guilty and i'd have to pay the fine plus court costs.

Well... you admitted having an open container. I'm not sure what your defense would be unless you intend to commit perjury and the result could be much worse... a fine and court costs might be a small price to pay.