What Does an MIP Ticket Mean for a Future Teacher
My question involves criminal law for the state of: Illinois (McHenry County)
Yesterday I got a ticket for minor in possession of alcohol. Two Friends and I were at campsite and had a bottle of liquor with us. A conservation officer came up to our camp site and saw the bottle. The seal on the bottle had been broken but none of it had been drinking. My friends and I are all 19. The officer told us that he would be confiscating the bottle ( and the 3 mikes hard in our cooler). He then gave us the option of writing all three of us up or one of us taking the blame for it. My friends both had previous drinking tickets. In the end I took the blame (not sure if this was a bad move or not?)
So i got a ticket for possession of the alcohol and have a court date in July.This is my first offense and I have never been in any kind of trouble with the law before this.
-What should I expect as far as repercussions? (fines? community service?) Whats average?
-Can my license get suspended?
-Will this be on my record forever?
-How can I clear my record and should I ask the judge for it to be expunged from my record?
Formost, my biggest concern, is I'm studying to be a teacher. Will this affect me getting my teaching certificate or a job as teacher later on?
Re: What Does an MIP Ticket Mean for a Future Teacher
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-What should I expect as far as repercussions? (fines? community service?) Whats average?
You're looking at fines, community service, alcohol awareness classes, and probation. Jail is pretty rare for first offenders.
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-Can my license get suspended?
If you're convicted, yes.
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-Will this be on my record forever?
If you don't qualify for expungement, yes.
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-How can I clear my record and should I ask the judge for it to be expunged from my record?
Whether or not you will qualify for expungement will depend on the outcome of your case. You can read about it here.
Do note that even if the record is sealed, it will still be available to law enforcement and to state licensing boards, such as for health care professions and teaching.
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Formost, my biggest concern, is I'm studying to be a teacher. Will this affect me getting my teaching certificate or a job as teacher later on?
A single misdemeanor MIP is generally not enough to torpedo a teaching career. Teachers know better than anyone that kids do stupid things - even kids who have just hopped into legal adulthood. If you're asked about it in an interview, be forthright. "I was going through a five minute idiot phase. In the in-between, I've kept my nose squeaky clean! Now, let me show you all of these things I accomplished during my student teaching!"
You'd do well to retain counsel. S/he may be able to help you get a dismissal or reduced penalties.