My question involves a traffic citation from the state of: California
I work as a care provider to an elderly woman who has been issued a DP placard by the DMV.
This past week I've been using her DP placard to park on a permit only street next to my university because I have been coming late to class nearly everyday (I take care of her early in the morning and then drive to my morning class right after) and was missing out big chucks of the lecture.
Unfortunately, today, as I parked my car (but before I placed the DP placard on the dashboard) a police car pulled up to me and "caught" me and asked for the DP placard. Because I was yet to put the DP placard on the dash, I tried to play stupid and told him that I didn't own one and had no clue what he was talking about. But, he told me that he had seen me use the DP placard before and even knew the birth year of the placard's owner. I then proceeded to give him the DP placard and was consequently issued a 4461(C) VC misdemeanor charge.
I have a couple of questions and many concerns about this...
First and foremost, I want to know if the owner of the DP placard will get into trouble. I work for her and she is an extremely nice lady and thus I would hate for her to have any problems due to me.
Secondly, I am curious if there is any possible way I can lower the charge somehow to an infraction. I will be applying to medical school next year and am extremely afraid that a misdemeanor will greatly hinder my chances of getting in, as it is widely known that students with criminal records are rarely accepted into medical school. (also, I'm afraid that I won't be able to get any other job with a record.)
Lastly, I was wondering if it's a good idea to ask the judge for community service in the place of the large fine for the illegal use of the DP placard. I am a starving college student and believe that doing community service will be more worthwhile and beneficial to the community (as well as look good for medical school)
Thank you so so much in advance for your answers and all your help

