I am turning 19 years old in one week and was in Santa Barbra for Halloween this past weekend. Some friends of mine were walking down the crowded streets of Del Playa. I had a plastic bottle of coke that a friend had mixed some Sailor Jerry's in with. While walking someone had grabbed my arm and the bottle and told me not to struggle or be taken down. An officer sat me on the curb with my legs crossed and began his interrogation. He asked me what was in the bottle to which I replied "coke". He told me he knew I was lying and said to do things the easy way and tell the truth. I told him the true contents of the bottle and was issued a 25662 (a) BP minor in possession ticket. He told me it was a citation and not a misdemeanor and made me dump the contents on the street. I now must show up for court on Dec. 2nd in Santa Clara county. I have a spotless record and am scared to death. My friend got an MIP and a DIP last summer in San Jose and was told the charges were never filed when he arrived to his court date. There were a massive amount of people who I saw being caught for the same thing. What are the chances that my license will get suspended? And what pro's and con's are there for hiring a lawyer for this case. Did the cop have the right to check my bottle?
I am very lost and would appreciate any help.
Thanks
I am very lost and would appreciate any help.
Thanks
