Hello,
I was recently issued a written arrest on my college's campus during a tailgating event. I am not yet 21, but will be in 4 months. The officers approached me and asked for my ID (which I didn't have) and to state my age. I told them I was 21, but since they wanted to look up my ID since I didn't have it on me I chose to inform them that I was in fact only 20, that all other information regarding not having my ID and my stated birthdate were accurate, I had only lied about my age. (One of the officers who was there when this happened said that because I was so cooperative and courteous they would not write on the citation that I had lied about my age, however, I believe the officer sitting beside him writing it out did make note of it.) I unfortunately cannot read the citation because of the poor imprint left by the carbon paper, so I do not know exactly what I'm being charged with. I also have no idea what punishment I may be facing, and would like some idea of that if anyone could help. Like I said, I was very polite to the officers and completely cooperative. I was also not intoxicated (as the beer I had in my hand had only just been opened), and they did not test my BAC, nor see me drink it. When they approached me and I told them I had no ID on me, I immediately handed the drink over as well. I'm curious if my current standing with the school (I have a 3.5 GPA and have made Dean's list the past few terms) and my closeness to being of legal age will affect the outcome? I have a clean record.
And will the cops who arrested me appear in court? I feel that if they did it would help since they seemed pleased with my behavior.
What punishment could I be facing? Any probation, drug testing, community service, fines, etc?
What should I say in court? I would like to be completely honest, but I know that its easy to be screwed over by the law, even if I admit to my indiscretion and accept responsibility.
Also, I cannot afford a lawyer, I am completely supporting myself with loans, grants, scholarships, and work. I have no help from anyone else and am already quite worried about a possible fine, of which I can't seem to find an estimated amount.
Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.





Bookmarks