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This is my first time offense and is related to the MIP thread that I posted in the Alcohol section. I was issued a ticket for Possesion, they never said how much we had since there was 5 of us, paraphanelia and I got an MIP. Im 19, first time offense, and apparently they said we cooperated so I guess that helps. I think I can just pay off the paraphanelia charge because there is no check in the manditory court box. So all Im worried about is the MIP and poss. charges. Thanks.
Standard answerQuote:
Quoting huskerpower02
Here are some hints on appearing in court:
Dress professionally in clean clothes.
Do not wear message shirts.
Don't chew gum, smoke, or eat. (Smokers...pot or tobacco...literally stink. Remember that before you head for court.)
Bathe and wash your hair.
Do not bring small children or your friends.
Go to court beforehand some day before you actually have to go to watch how things go.
Speak politely and deferentially. If you argue or dispute something, do it professionally and without emotion.
Ask the court clerk who you talk to about a diversion (meaning you want to plead to a different, lesser charge), if applicable in your situation. Ask about traffic school and that the ticket not go on your record, if applicable. Ask also about getting a hardship driving permit, if applicable. Ask about drug court, if applicable.
From marbol:
“Judge...
You forgot the one thing that I've seen that seems to frizz up most judges these days:
If you have a cell phone, make DAMN SURE that it doesn't make ANY noise in the courtroom. This means when you are talking to the judge AND when you are simply sitting in the court room.
If you have a ‘vibrate’ position on your cell phone, MAKE sure the judge DOESN'T EVEN HEAR IT VIBRATE!
Turn it off or put it in silent mode where it flashes a LED if it rings. AND DON'T even DREAM about answering it if it rings.”
(Better yet, don’t carry your cell phone into the courtroom.)”
Here are five stories that criminal court judges hear the most (and I suggest you do not use them or variations of them):
1. I’ve been saved! (This is not religion specific; folks from all kinds of religious backgrounds use this one.)
2. My girlfriend/mother/sister/daughter/wife/ex-wife/niece/grandma/grand-daughter is pregnant/sick/dying/dead/crippled/crazy and needs my help.
3. I’ve got a job/military posting in [name a place five hundred miles away].
4. This is the first time I ever did this. (This conflicts with number 5 below, but that hasn’t stopped some defendants from using both.)
5. You’ve got the wrong guy. (A variation of this one is the phantom defendant story: “It wasn’t me driving, it was a hitchhiker I picked up. He wrecked the car, drug me behind the wheel then took off.” Or, another variation: “I was forced into it by a bad guy!”)
http://forum.freeadvice.com/showthre...687#post854687
Public defender’s advice
http://newyork.craigslist.org/about/.../70300494.html
Other people may give you other advice; stand by.
Thanks for the tips!
Any idea what will be handed out in punishment, especially for the MIP charge. I just really don't want to go on color code obviously.
First time offense? Probably probation. The group of you may wish to collectively consult a lawyer about a possible plea deal. See if you have a chance of avoiding a conviction or at least minimizing the conviction charge.
What does probation consist of? They wouldn't put me on diversion instead? Id like to get a lawyer, as the group consultation thing sounds like a good idea, but I barely have enough money as it is to pay the tickets.Quote:
Quoting aaron
A local lawyer may be able to advise you as to what plea bargains might be offered. I cannot. If you cannot afford a lawyer, consider requesting a court-appointed laywer.