MIP (PAULA) in Los Angeles While on Probation

Location: Los Angeles, CA. Or Hollywood, to be even more specific.

I am currently on probation for an incident that occurred when I was 17. It involved misdemeanor domestic violence and felony false imprisonment. Domestic violence was dropped, false imprisonment was held onto. Called an "open case." Formal probation. Was supposed to cancel on October 5, but probation department took a while to transfer me to the office nearest where I had moved in between the incident and pre-trial. Began all work with probation officer as soon as I could and finished all requirements by October 5 except for counseling, which is a 52-week program, which wasn't finished yet because I had yet to be assigned to a probation officer which gave me a late start, as stated above.

So, now, over a year of probation, having completed most of my requirements and only not having the last due to issues beyond my control (basically making the case that I've been nothing but perfect on this till now), been attending school before probation and all during it, been getting fine grades, actively seeking employment, always shown up to probation meetings early, never given the officer any trouble, disrespect, etc.

Now, received a MIP of alcohol ticket about a week ago and court is early December. How will this affect me, due to being on probation? What can I expect? I've already spoken to attorneys, but there is no way I can get the amount of money even the cheapest one is offering.

Some people who have been involved in this before, while on probation, have said a courtesy notice comes in the mail with your fine listed on it and that you pay the fine before court and you have a good chance of it being dropped to an infraction.

Can I expect jail time?
How likely is it that I can get it to an infraction?
What should I do beforehand?
Should I plead not guilty and get a public defender?
What to do, what to do!
I know I messed up and shouldn't have done that and should have been more careful and all, but the incident has occurred now and there is no going back.

I can't afford an attorney, so don't tell me to get one, please, as that simply isn't an option for me.

Any and all help is appreciated.

When you commit a crime while on probation, that's a violation of the terms of your probation. It's possible that the court will give you a break, but if you remain on felony probation you would be wise to be working with a criminal defense lawyer as you do not want to end up with a felony record if it can be avoided.

If you plead guilty to a misdemeanor offense, you should not expect that the charge will magically be dropped to an infraction. You will end up with a misdemeanor conviction.

Don't whine about being unable to afford a lawyer, or complain that people shouldn't instruct you to consult one. You made your own bed, and such is the price of having to lie in it.