ForestRanger
New Member
Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have a court apperance in a couple weeks.
Here is my situation:
Last August, I went to a concert in Hartford Connecticut, and was tailgating in a large parking lot with a group of friends. There were about 30 of us, and there was alcohol in our group, and all the surrounding groups. I, in all honesty, was not drinking. I did not drive, but I was going to drive my friends car back home. I was the designated driver.
Three officers, started to patrol the parking lot. I was seated in a chair, when they came up behind me and started asking people to see some ID's. I gave my ID, while other people started walking away. I told the officer I was not drinking, but they said I was around alcohol, and I was underage.
Two officers said to pay the ticket ($250) and it would be done and gone. One other officer said to fight it (plead not guilty).
I even asked what happened if I paid the ticket off, for example does it go on some kind of record. The officer said pay it and it goes away.
After advice from my family, I called the Hartford Infractions Bureau, and they said that once I paid it, I would lose my license for 6 months, and then have to pay to get it back. I was not told that when I was issued the ticket, even when I specifically asked what would happen.
I was 19 last summer, and take full responsibility for being in a group with alcohol underage. I am a college student at the University of Massachusetts, and I can not afford to lost my license for 6 months.
I pleaded not guilty, in hope of a lesser charge. At the end of the month I meet with a district attorney, and If we can't settle it, then a trial in front of a judge will be given.
My question is, what will happen. Are they likely to give a lesser charge? Should I bring a lawyer with me? Do I have a case?
Once again, and help would be greatly appreciated.
-Mike
Here is my situation:
Last August, I went to a concert in Hartford Connecticut, and was tailgating in a large parking lot with a group of friends. There were about 30 of us, and there was alcohol in our group, and all the surrounding groups. I, in all honesty, was not drinking. I did not drive, but I was going to drive my friends car back home. I was the designated driver.
Three officers, started to patrol the parking lot. I was seated in a chair, when they came up behind me and started asking people to see some ID's. I gave my ID, while other people started walking away. I told the officer I was not drinking, but they said I was around alcohol, and I was underage.
Two officers said to pay the ticket ($250) and it would be done and gone. One other officer said to fight it (plead not guilty).
I even asked what happened if I paid the ticket off, for example does it go on some kind of record. The officer said pay it and it goes away.
After advice from my family, I called the Hartford Infractions Bureau, and they said that once I paid it, I would lose my license for 6 months, and then have to pay to get it back. I was not told that when I was issued the ticket, even when I specifically asked what would happen.
I was 19 last summer, and take full responsibility for being in a group with alcohol underage. I am a college student at the University of Massachusetts, and I can not afford to lost my license for 6 months.
I pleaded not guilty, in hope of a lesser charge. At the end of the month I meet with a district attorney, and If we can't settle it, then a trial in front of a judge will be given.
My question is, what will happen. Are they likely to give a lesser charge? Should I bring a lawyer with me? Do I have a case?
Once again, and help would be greatly appreciated.
-Mike
