MIP, 25662(a) B&P

so im 19. got this on st patties day in newport beach, california.

it was circled as an infraction.


I'm pretty much aware of the fines, classes, and license suspension.

I'm stil not sure whether i should get an att. though.
I've read alot of other peoples threads and it seems to be case by case.

i've also shopped around with lawyers a bit and i've found from 500$ to 1500$.
I obviously wouold like to spend as little as possible but i'm wondering if the fee is reflecting the lawyers skill possibly.

what i'm hoping for is reducing it to disturbing the peace and completion of a program.

When you consult the lawyers, ask them what the sentence typically is for your charge and the odds of getting the charge reduced.

There is an important distinction between a misdemeanor and an infraction. Crimes charged as a misdemeanor are punishable by fine and/or jail time up to one year. Infractions are punishable only by fines. I am not familar with the vehicle code section requiring suspension of your license. I had a violation of B&P 25662(a) (misd.) as a passenger in 2003, plead no contest and received a $300 fine after court costs, etc. They did not suspend my license. So, unless they changed the law since then (very possible) they don't HAVE to suspend your license. You have a case in court that the officer issued the citation as an infraction only.

First, this thread is more than a year and a half old.

Second, CVC 13202.5 requires that a court "shall" suspend the driving privilege for one year. Sometimes this does not happen, but the law says it is supposed to. You got lucky.

- Carl