My question involves criminal law for the state of: GA
3 of us are riding through Greenville, GA. We get stopped for a noise ordinance (music to loud) even though all the windows were up, cop claims he heard it through the sunroof. That's besides the point, anyways the cop walks up to the car and smells alcohol, we have 3 open beer cans which we put in a empty fast food bag. The cop asks who has been drinking and even though the driver had had a few sips myself (sitting in the front passenger) and my friend (sitting in the back) say the cans are ours. He asks us if we have drugs and weapons, we didn't, we said no...he didn't believe us obviously because 2 more officers in separate cars roll up. A different cop comes and asks us the same questions as the first and we have the same answers. We asked him to cut us a break on the tic he said no. Anyways he cites myself and the passenger in the back tics for open container: (State Law 40-6-253). Then he gives the driver a warning for the noise ordinance. Anyway, he didn't even get the seats that we were sitting in right, i was in front - he has me in back on the tic...not sure if that matters?... Then he sends us on our way...
I looked up the citation online and it says I owe $408.00, same with my friend...From what I have read, the charge for open container cannot exceed $200.00 in the state of Georgia. Is that correct? Also, does it matter that he didn't get the seats right? It also says my court date is at 6am, has anyone ever heard of a 6am court date?
I have no priors, no probation, couple of speeding tics in the past but that's it.
Does it sound reasonable to charge 2 guys over $800 for 3 beer cans...this can't be right, right?
Any response is appreciated.

