MIP While Visiting Another State

[DEAP]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Michigan

I have done a lot of research so I there will be a lot of ()'s going on.

So I got an MIP (alcohol) in Michigan (and after doing a lot of research, that is pretty uncommon eh? ). A brief description: I am 19 years old, I was at a friends party in Detroit private property. It was Wayne State University cops that came (which I don't think matters). I admitted to drinking when they asked (bad idea), but no breathalyzer (not that it matters ;p). Most of the people there were Indian and some were speaking in their language and the officers told them they weren't allowed to do that (haven't found an answer on this, and if it helps me @ all).

So after reading up on things, I decided I will most likely try and plea guilty and get the diversion plan. However, this is where things get sticky. I move back and forth from Florida and Michigan (so I still have a Michigan license), and I will be moving back to Florida in 1 week. I am moving back because I got a girl pregnant and am trying to to the responsible thing by moving down by my kid to help raise him. This is another story so please try to refrain from mentioning it other than the reason I am moving back (thanks).

My court date is in mid March. I plan to fly back and attend it, but I was wondering a few questions. How much money should I bring with me? Should I search for a lawyer to represent me if I am pleaing guilty and I know what I want (I emailed a few lawyers and I talked to one and he wanted to charge $1000 to help me plea guilty; I cannot afford that)? Will they be compliant with the fact that I now live in Florida? Should I let them know ahead of time where I live? Is there a way I can handle everything on one visit rather than having to fly back up again?

Thanks for any help you can provide, it will be a tremendous help!

Dave

[Mr. Knowitall]

You haven't even told us what type of court hearing is scheduled.

If you want to try to get the entire charge taken care of in one trip - plea, conviction and sentencing - it's best to clarify that with the court and prosecutor before your court date. This is easiest if you have a lawyer who can contact the prosecutor, work out the details of the plea, and schedule a plea hearing and sentencing with the court. You can try that yourself. If you don't want to be on probation, you should be prepared to pay your assessments at the time of sentencing; that's another topic where a local lawyer could be able to help you out. I'm guessing @$750 in fines, court costs and other assessments, but for all I know it could be more (or less).

You should keep the court informed of your current mailing address at all times.

[DEAP]

Mr. Knowitall,

Thanks for the response.

Sorry, I am having an Arraignment trial at my March court date. If I am not able to afford a lawyer (which so far all of the lawyers I have talked to wanted a retain fee of $750 or more, which I cannot afford), how will I be able to talk with my Prosecutor? I was about to call the court just now (the number that is on my Notice To Appear card) but I decided I needed more information on what I should ask for.

The last lawyer I talked to said that I may be able to get Non Reporting Probation so that I can stay in Florida and serve out my sentence there. Is there anyone that confirm that?

Also, you mentioned I may have to pay $750 or more by next month, which again, I cannot pay. Is there any other options that I can pursue? Traveling to Michigan is not that huge of a problem for me, other than the cost of it all and time to take off work.

Thanks again for the information your have already provided!

Dave

You haven't even told us what type of court hearing is scheduled.

If you want to try to get the entire charge taken care of in one trip - plea, conviction and sentencing - it's best to clarify that with the court and prosecutor before your court date. This is easiest if you have a lawyer who can contact the prosecutor, work out the details of the plea, and schedule a plea hearing and sentencing with the court. You can try that yourself. If you don't want to be on probation, you should be prepared to pay your assessments at the time of sentencing; that's another topic where a local lawyer could be able to help you out. I'm guessing @$750 in fines, court costs and other assessments, but for all I know it could be more (or less).

You should keep the court informed of your current mailing address at all times.

[DEAP]

Any more help?

[DEAP]

So I went to my arraignment and the house counsel person I talked to asked why I even came. He recommended that I plea not guilty and then plea by mail to Disorderly Conduct, pay a fine, and be done with it. He said it was simple as that and he is going to get me off on a "bullshit charge" (his words).

Good idea?