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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Posts
    1

    Exclamation Open Container in Texas on Foot (of Age +21)

    I was recently given a misdemeanor citation for what I think is "Consumption of alcohol in public / Open container in public." I'm not sure what the exact charge is because I cannot read the violation and the citation has not be processed. Anyway, I was stopped by a random police officer while I was in possession of an open container (but I am over 21 years old) on the street. I immediately stopped and complied with everything he said. I gave him my ID, and he wrote the citation, took the open container, and I was sent on my way. So, a bit too much drinking anywhere abroad and not fully understanding the laws back here got me into trouble in Texas...

    Will I need a lawyer to represent me? The only violation says (the best I can read / interpret) "OR-T on ID Alcohol AKA 4 (or maybe 1 or 7)" with no other remarks or comments marked.

    What sort of charges am I facing? Class C misdemeanor or is it worse... class A or B? But I was not arrested, nor given a sobriety test or anything like that. What should I do / who should I talk to? I do not want this to go on my permanent record. I have no prior convictions besides a speeding ticket or two, and I am of legal age (22 years old).

    I have little knowledge of the court system, but this is what I'm guessing I should do / what will happen from every source I could find:

    On the court website in the fine schedule there is a misdemeanor charge called "Alcohol Prohibited in City Areas," would this most likely be what I received a citation for? They also have something about "early" and "standard" fine? What is this because there is absolutely no explanation? Am I just facing a fine (and how much will court fees be on top of the fine??), and can I do something along the lines of deferred adjudication or deferred disposition to prevent it from appear on my permanent record?

    Also, one final note, I cannot make my scheduled court appearance because I have 2 exams that day, one during the court time. Who should I talk to / can I go to court earlier and take care of this with a DA or the judge? Please help!?! I just want this all to disappear as soon as possible!

    **Random Update: The zip code is incorrect on my ticket, however everything else is correct... what do I need to do to correct this / is this a problem?

    Please let me know, I am really concerned and unsure of what to do. The citation has not be processed yet so I am left in confused and concerned.

    Thanks

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