Hi guys - Thanks for checking out my post, even though there are (quite literally) hundreds of threads on public intoxication. I really appreciate it.
Last month I was arrest for public intoxication. I guess I strayed away from my friends and tried to find a place to sleep, which ended up being a church. Anyway, the police caught me and took me in to the drunk tank for the night. I stayed until the next morning and was told I could post bail. Upon leaving, I was given my ticket with a court date, paid for what I think was the bail ($160) and was given a receipt, was issued a jail fee of $35 (which I havent paid yet), was finger-printed and sent on my way.
I have a couple of questions about the situation, since I'm a bit confused. This is my first incident on an otherwise clean record. #1: On my receipt for my bail, there is a citation number that is the SAME as the one on the ticket I was given.... Does this mean that I paid for my fine as well? I thought it was just my bail, but after seeing the code on my receipt, I feel as if that WAS my fine. #2: There is a court date (for next week) that I'm not sure if I should attend.... Do I? What if I am unable to make it that very day? Do you think I could reschedule the court date? #3: I am not able to afford an attorney, but am unsure if I really need one in my case. How serious would my trial actually be? I have no idea what to expect and if I'm going to be charged with more penalties/fines.
I've been able to keep this incident a secret from family and friends and continue to do so.... But I have no one to ask for advice. ANY information you have would be really appreciated, guys. Thanks for your time.
Last month I was arrest for public intoxication. I guess I strayed away from my friends and tried to find a place to sleep, which ended up being a church. Anyway, the police caught me and took me in to the drunk tank for the night. I stayed until the next morning and was told I could post bail. Upon leaving, I was given my ticket with a court date, paid for what I think was the bail ($160) and was given a receipt, was issued a jail fee of $35 (which I havent paid yet), was finger-printed and sent on my way.
I have a couple of questions about the situation, since I'm a bit confused. This is my first incident on an otherwise clean record. #1: On my receipt for my bail, there is a citation number that is the SAME as the one on the ticket I was given.... Does this mean that I paid for my fine as well? I thought it was just my bail, but after seeing the code on my receipt, I feel as if that WAS my fine. #2: There is a court date (for next week) that I'm not sure if I should attend.... Do I? What if I am unable to make it that very day? Do you think I could reschedule the court date? #3: I am not able to afford an attorney, but am unsure if I really need one in my case. How serious would my trial actually be? I have no idea what to expect and if I'm going to be charged with more penalties/fines.
I've been able to keep this incident a secret from family and friends and continue to do so.... But I have no one to ask for advice. ANY information you have would be really appreciated, guys. Thanks for your time.
