Alcohol & Drugs: MIP, MIC, Intoxication MIP - Alcohol - Court Tomorrow

[guylight]

I am 18 years old from Michigan and was 18 at the time of the ticket. I received an MIP at a Red Wings game. How I got this is beyond stupidity due to a friend of mine. We drank prior to the game and we walked in, I had only consumed probably 20 oz of beer I decided it was a dumb idea to be intoxicated in public. Myself and two friends walked through the metal detector and we got through. My fourth friend walked in and it went off. He tried to smuggle a can into the game, none of us knew of this it was outrageous. I then made a big mistake I turned around and looked and the security made me come back. I went back and they searched me and found nothing but a mountain dew I was bringing in because I'm cheap. They told me I had to go downstairs with them with my friend. They said they were going to escort me out. Which I was okay with because I didn't want my friend to spend 3 hours alone in Detroit. I then was continuously asked if I had drank and was told I would be breathalized. I refused to answer until I made my second mistake and admitted that I had a beer. She then told me to come with her into the police office. We received our tickets and were then forced to leave into the rain instantly.

Now that I've told the story I'm wondering what should I do? What do I plea? Let me add that my friend has received no court date and its been over a month. I'm really baffled by that actually, his father is a police officer that may have something to do with it, but he acts as if 'they forgot to send it to him'.

Also I'm representing myself because both of my parents aren't watching over me. My father due to financial problems, and my mother has been out of the picture since I was 1. I'm broke except for a few grand I have saved up and I live with a single grandparent and have a clean record. I feel that might help in my case maybe? I am most likely going to be receiving full financial aid for school next year and I really need it I heard this could cause that to be unavailable. I don't want to plea guilty right away because I just hope theres a chance I could be let off or face less penalties.

I'm not sure what else I should add, its at 36th District in Detroit, MI.

 

[army judge]

I am 18 years old from Michigan and was 18 at the time of the ticket. I received an MIP at a Red Wings game. How I got this is beyond stupidity due to a friend of mine. We drank prior to the game and we walked in, I had only consumed probably 20 oz of beer I decided it was a dumb idea to be intoxicated in public. Myself and two friends walked through the metal detector and we got through. My fourth friend walked in and it went off. He tried to smuggle a can into the game, none of us knew of this it was outrageous. I then made a big mistake I turned around and looked and the security made me come back. I went back and they searched me and found nothing but a mountain dew I was bringing in because I'm cheap. They told me I had to go downstairs with them with my friend. They said they were going to escort me out. Which I was okay with because I didn't want my friend to spend 3 hours alone in Detroit. I then was continuously asked if I had drank and was told I would be breathalized. I refused to answer until I made my second mistake and admitted that I had a beer. She then told me to come with her into the police office. We received our tickets and were then forced to leave into the rain instantly.

Now that I've told the story I'm wondering what should I do? What do I plea? Let me add that my friend has received no court date and its been over a month. I'm really baffled by that actually, his father is a police officer that may have something to do with it, but he acts as if 'they forgot to send it to him'.

Also I'm representing myself because both of my parents aren't watching over me. My father due to financial problems, and my mother has been out of the picture since I was 1. I'm broke except for a few grand I have saved up and I live with a single grandparent and have a clean record. I feel that might help in my case maybe? I am most likely going to be receiving full financial aid for school next year and I really need it I heard this could cause that to be unavailable. I don't want to plea guilty right away because I just hope theres a chance I could be let off or face less penalties.

I'm not sure what else I should add, its at 36th District in Detroit, MI.

36th District Court, huh?
That's Greg Mathis' old hangout.
Anyway, moving on....

Plead not guilty.
Ask for a court appointed lawyer.
Admit nothing to anyone, even your lawyer.
Just don't admit to anything.
Tell your lawyer, when you're asked what happened; that you had a cold and took a dose of Vick's Nyquil about 15-20 minutes before entering the game.

You'll eventually get a plea deal, (you might even get the ticket dismissed) and received probation and defrred sentencing.
At most you pay a small fine, do some community service, stay out of trouble during probation, take an alocohol abuse class, and this will be gone!

You also need some NEW friends and stop drinking until you're 21.
It isn't worth it anyway, now or later!
I never had a problem with alcohol.
I haven't had a drink in over 10 years.
I don't preach to others, I just choose not to drink.
You should, too, at least for 3 more years!!!!

 

[mightymoose]

Sounds like you have a good chance for dismissal if your info is accurate. You are not the one that was in possession of the alcohol, and they can't prove you were intoxicated. The 20 oz beer would not have been enough to make intoxication obvious... it is just a weak citation.
Plead not guilty and lawyer up when the opportunity comes... don't accept any plea offers unless your attorney strongly recommends it. The citation already served its purpose, which was to get you and your buddy out of the stadium after sneaking in some goods... nobody is going to be pushing real hard to follow through at court, and the lack of evidence will likely result in a dismissal.

I wouldn't start telling lies to the attorney either... you will just get caught up in a mess. Just don't admit to anything. If there is evidence to support the charge it is the prosecutions burden to present it... not yours.

 

[CdwJava]

Depending on the actual elements of the offense, merely the admission or the aroma of alcohol on the underage lad might be sufficient to prove the matter.

Plus, this might not be a case where a court appointed attorney is even permitted. If this is the equivalent of a CA infraction (punishable by a fine only) then Michigan may not allow for an appointed attorney.