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My question involves criminal law for the state of: North Carolina
I recently received a citation for possession of alcohol, but the cops reassured me that I could easily go to court and take a first time offenders program and get it expunged. I have no priors on my record, and I'm 18. Do I need a lawyer to go to court and get enrolled in this program?
When in contact with the criminal justice system, always avail yourself of all the legal representation you can afford. If you have no resources for hiring an attorney, ask for a public defender.
While I respect and am grateful for law enforcement officers and all that they do, I would not rely on them for legal advice. In this instance they may or not be right, but that is not their role in the process. Their agenda is different than yours. Seek an advocate focused on your agenda.
Look at it this way: On occasion some law enforcement officers find themselves subject to criminal prosecution. How often do you see them represented by fellow officers as opposed to having their own attorney?