I Got a Misdemeanor Ticket

[Legal Help]

I got a ticket from a police officer in Mississippi.
It said "Sell/Furnish Alcoholic Beverages to a person under the age of 21 (67-1-81)"
I was told to go to the municipal court. It is not the date to go yet and I called and check on my ticket. but the city hall computer does not have my ticket "yet". what should I do? What happen if the officer does not turn in the ticket?

if i was convicted guilty, would that effect my future application for F-1 visa or work visa or even green card?
if i was convicted not guilty, do i need to report that to the immigration office in the future?
What should I put for DS-156 ""Have you ever been arrested or convicted for any offense or crime, even though subject of a pardon, amnesty or other similar legal action?"

Please let me know. thanks for all your help and time.

[Mr. Knowitall]

Consider getting a lawyer to help you - you may be able to avoid a conviction altogether, or plea bargain to a lesser charge.

Although this is probably not going to be treated as a crime of moral turpitude, any criminal activity can affect your eligibility for immigration, and you can expect future immigration paperwork to ask about criminal charges (and their outcome) where you will have to report this incident even if you are acquitted.

What you will have to put down on the DS-156 depends upon whether you were arrested (being cited is not the same thing as being arrested; from what you have told us it appears you were cited but not arrested) and the outcome of the charge against you.

[Legal Help]

i am sorry I am confused by the DS-156 part.
it is a ticket... breaking the law... but is this a crime??? what is the definition for a crime??? was I arrest???
well i cannot get a lawyer because I have no money and the lawyer I know here is just a "business man" who wants my money. i will just go to the appeal court and explain what happened and ask for mercy for not guilty or less charge. Is that the best???????

[aaron]

Yes, it's a crime. Ask at the courthouse about requesting a court-appointed lawyer.

[Legal Help]

does a court-appointed lawyer cost anything?

[aaron]

Many courts require repayment of some or all of the court appointed lawyer's fee as part of the defendant's sentence, assuming the defendant is convicted. If you want to know your local court's policies, ask the court.

[Legal Help]

if i plead not-guilty, would that be still in city court or a circuit court?

[Legal Help]

actually what is the best way? plea guilty or not???

[aaron]

Consult your lawyer about how you should plead.

[Legal Help]

the lawyer i know he just want money. he does not want to help at all.
i talked to an old officer that i know. he suggest "no contest." because he said i don't want the judge thinks i am lying and get a bigger mess.

would a warning and some fine hurt my future student visa or working application?

I really appreciate your suggestion

i am going crazy because of school work and this ticket