What to Do When Charged With Public Intoxication and Disorderly Conduct

[JohnLocke]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: ohio, city of cleveland
I’m young and have never been in court before, I Was ticketed for public intoxication and disorderly conduct, given my circumstances, what is the best way to proceed, and what can I expect? To complicate this matter even further I lost the ticket the night I received it. That was Friday night, since Saturday morning I’ve been attempting to contact the Clerk’s office to try and get info but I think because it was the weekend that was an impossibility. It’s now Tuesday and I’m going to try and get info on my lunch break. If that fails then I’ll go downtown first thing in the morning. (also I’d appreciate some feedback on how I recount these events, what I should say shouldn’t say etc) Now for what happened, me and some friend, and I especially had been drinking, we got to the Rapid Station and found the train was already there so we ran in there (without getting a farecard) not wanting to be late to where we were going. I should be clear that because I was drinking most of these events are rather hazy for me, and most of what I’m going on is based from what my friends told me the next day. A train attendant came around asking for farecards, when we failed to present ours two police officers took us off the train and sat as down and started going over the usual routine. I according to my friends told them a phony name and that I was “from India and had just arrived two weeks ago” this is while they were looking over my drivers license… ridiculous I know. The next part is odd, apparently 1 of the 2 officers was an alumni of my high school and my friends and he recognized each other. I remember specifically him saying “I went to high school with these guys” this was as the other officer was writing up whatever it was he was writing up. He (not the officer we knew) gave my two friends “warnings” and I was given a ticket, the officer said he was giving me a ticket for fare evasion and “you’re lucky we’re not giving you one for public intoxication”. BUT low and behold my other friend told me the next day that I did indeed get a ticket for that and the other charge of disorderly conduct. We left and I’ve been dealing with the bizarre consequences ever since. Now here is my question expanded. I know I should find out via the Clerk’s office the information regarding my Arraignment etc. Once I figure that out, how should I proceed? If I say Guilty will I automatically avoid trial and just be slapped with the criminal charges and a fine? If I say no contest what difference would occur? I don’t think I can go to trial and fight the charge given the evidence against me (although did the one officer break a law by saying that he “knew these guys” and let some of them go with just a warning while I received an actual charge?). My friend had a similar charge with no prior anything and the Judge gave him consignment/community service, I’d much rather have this than a criminal charge. Then again I’d like to just get the charges dismissed entirely. If anyone has any information at all I would be very grateful. My current circumstances prevent me from getting any knowledgable advice from anyone I know, so like I said before any help would be greatly appreciated. Also I'm so worried because I don't know when my court date is , does anyone know generally how long after getting a ticket of this type that one has to appear in court?

[flyingron]

Well, if all else fails, ask a lawyer in town. You may need him anyhow. At this point you appear not to even know what you are charged with. What makes you think you are only facing a fine?

[JohnLocke]

I went to the Cleveland Muncipal Court downtown and they had nothing but told me the arraignment is always a week from the date of issuance. I asked would the actual RTA police(rapid transit authority, the police division for rails and buses in the met region) have the info they said, "sure I guess". So I walked up from the civic area to public square and to terminal tower where I imagined the RTA police would be. I got there and after going through several people saying "I lost my ticket" an officer finally said you mean a CITATION, she thankfully managed to print me out a copy, which I will try and get all the important info down now...

GREATER CLEVELAND REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
BLAHBLAHBLAH
MINOR MISDEMENOR CITATION
605.13(w) cleveland municipal code
My court date
But then something interesting that I could REALLY use some assistance in understanding..
"IF THIS BLOCK IS CHECKED YOU MAY WAIVE THIS CITATION, THEREBY AVOIDING THE COURT APPEARANCE INDICATED ABOVE. FOR WAIVER INFORMATION SEE THE BACK OF THIS FORM."
Problem is, I've just got a copy so there isn't a back to the form...
Hmm so I'm wondering should I waive the ticket and pay the (what I imagine is A 100 dollar fine according to a cleveland municipal code website which classifies this form of public intox as a minor misdemenor) OR go to trial and attempt to get the charges dropped BECAUSE Having one of these on my record may affect my ability to get a job, scholarships, etc?
Once again thank you to anyone who has any further information. I hope I clarified my situation.

[flyingron]

This will be on your record. I'd consult with an attorney to see if there's a way out of it. I'm not familiar with the courts in cleveland (strange name for a plane).