My question involves criminal law for the state of: New Hampshire
Alright, just to start this off.
I'm 20 years old, never gotten into an accident, had a speeding ticket, or have ever been arrested in my life.
I am a college student in New Hampshire. I was outside with a backpack of beer, and two officers on a motorcycle drove up to me, and began questioning me. After talking for a minute, they asked me how much alcohol in the backpack. I truthfully answered a little, because there wasn't too much (amount doesn't matter, so who cares anyways), effectively giving them a reason to search? I wasn't looking to be witty, I just wanted to be fully cooperative.
Anyways, I was arrested, but I was informed that this isn't a felony or a misdemeanor of any kind, it's a violation, and very similar to a speeding ticket. I had to pay $40.00 in bail, and I was given a court date.
Now, here's where my questions come into play. Should I either:
a) Get an attorney, and try to fight the charge? It's only one charge, I wasn't even drunk. I was polite with officers the entire time, never resisted and addressed all present officers with respect. My 21 year old roommate was with me, so I could say that the alcohol was his, and the officer would never be able to prove beyond the shadow of a doubt that it was mine. Additionally, I was never read rights, and I was unfairly asked condemning questions that lead to the officer's search. I didn't even give a reason for them to question me, as I was not stumbling around or anything. All I had on me was the backpack, filled with some beer.
a) Go to the court date as planned, alone, and try to plea-bargain as a first-time offender? Given the fact that I have no prior record, I was extremely polite with all officers I interacted with throughout the course of the evening, I could emphasize that I firmly believe they should take leniency into consideration because of my situation. I could definitely admit that I am guilty, pay fines, and whatever else they ask, so long as the violation is taken off of my record (if possible) and I am never formally charged. The only thing I am worried about is my record, by the time this is said and done, I still want to be able to say that I've never been arrested (by record).
I know it's possible. But, how?
Thank you in advance for your suggestions. I will be checking back religiously, my court date is October 9th. And I am already aware of how to act in front of the prosecutor and judge, how to dress, etc.
Thanks again!
-Sam

