I don't think it is a trial... I only got a slip of paper as a "Notice to Appear" and I haven't done that yet. Haven't set foot in court yet - I apparently have until next month to schedule a court time. I keep thinking that there is supposed to be something arriving in the mail for me from the court that is more official or something... but the shoe hasn't dropped yet. (I've also been waiting for the civil demand letter, which hasn't come yet either...)
As for reducing the charges, I'm mainly concerned with this incident showing up on a background check and dogging my steps forever... (Although for my mistakes I must be punished and I will accept that fact.) The attorney in the consultation had said that it wouldn't show up, but I think I've read the contrary in another thread here.
- How do I find out if in my state an infraction will show up in a regular background check for employment?
Thank you for the link. It seems to conclude that I will still need to be using my instincts for choosing a lawyer in the end...
- Do you know if there is any particular criteria to qualify for a dismissal, or does that just vary to the whim of the D.A.?

