Ohio Underage Possession Plea

[atowngman]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Ohio. I am an 18 year old college student and was cited for being in possession of alcohol while underage. I just had my court date today, and I planned on pleading no contest and taking a fine and maybe doing some community service. Instead, it was my turn in line to speak to the judge and he read me the charges and said I should plead not guilty and speak to an attorney. He then told me to go out into the hall and wait to get my court date and time. I asked him if I could just plead no contest to get it over with, and he asked me if I wanted 6 months in jail or a $1,000 fine.

I am aware that these are the maximum penalties, but I have a clean record both in school and legally. My question is, why would he not let me plead no contest and just let me go into a diversion program and what does this mean for me on my next court date? Should I have to hire an attorney or just talk with one? I'm just having some trouble grasping the situaiton and what to make of it, because I didn't think that was how it would go.

[cyjeff]

Believe it or not, he was trying to help you out.

You need an attorney to keep this off your record... no contest pleas will act as a guilty plea to most future employers.