My question involves criminal law for the state of: New York
Well long story short, this past Friday i was in Manhattan, had one beer in a brown bag and police man saw me and few friends holding it. We all received two pink summons *Possession of alcohol by a minor(65-c) and Open container of alcohol in public*. I am 19, a good student in the university and rarely drink, im about take my LSAT's and GMAT's and start my applying process next year. I know that according to 65-c maximum punishment is $50 fine/ 30 hours of community service/ Alcohol classes/ or any combination of those 3, and it does not limit my license . My questions are as follows :
1. Will it go on my criminal record?
2. I am in process of neutralization, will that be affected as well?
3. Police officer told me i can appear any time before the court date and pay the fine, is that true?
4. What is my strategy for this situation?
I know it was wrong of me to drink i admit my mistake, but i am afraid that this will ruin my future life. The research I've done is very vague and keeps leading to inconclusive decisions. Please help me, any information will be helpful, i don't have any money to pay for the attorney and no one to rely on. Any help is appreciated.

