19 Years Old arrested for Drunk In Public.

Question

I was in a car that got pulled over for a moving violation. I was arrested and spent the night in the drunk tank in San Luis Obispo. I can't get the arrest report until my court date. I am unfamiliar with what to expect. On that first day is that when I plead guilty or not guilty and then do I get another day to return? I know the fine is totally $386, but don't know if I'll have to go to alcohol awarness classes, community service and will I get a restricted License or do people usually lose it for a year since I'm under age and also is it two years probation. I've also heard that after probation I can file a section 12340.4 (not really sure of hand what the section is but) ...and get the charge removed from my record . Any one know ?? I've never been in trouble before this is my first and last offense..

Answer 1

You will be told what will happen at each stage of the procedure by the court.

If you have not already done so, get a lawyer now.  Your lawyer will be well practiced in the procedures of the court.  Your lawyer will also be able to advise you better than I can about your options.  Hiring one will be expensive ... not hiring one might be more expensive.  If the cost is prohibitive, request a public defender.

In addition to the fine you already know about, probation can be expected if you are convicted of drunk in public (or any other alcohol related offense).  You will probably have to submit to drug testing and awareness classes while you are on probation.

At the discretion of the court your license can be suspended until you are 21 ... that's one good reason to get a lawyer!  Perhaps the lawyer can get you a deal that will keep your license valid, but I would not count on it.

Answer 2

OK, this just isn't right. You were the driver or the passenger? If you were driving you should have been arrested for DUI, if you were a passenger you could have been charged with minor in possession. You were not drunk in public. If you are guilty go in and plead guilty, if not plead not guilty and they will set a court date. Then you will have your chance to testify against the officer that arrested you. You should have been given the oppurtunity to post a bond, which I assume you did since your on a computer. Since you are 19 years old, you are an adult. That offense will not go away unless you are found not guilty. The charge will actually stay on your record, but it will show that you were found not guilty. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

your scewed, glued and tatooed!!

Answer 4

before your court date, why don't you sign up for alcohol awareness so when you do face the judge, you can show that you are trying to correct your ways and maybe the judge will cut you a break.

Answer 5

On the court date you will tell them guilty  or not guilty and be sentenced that day. There are no come back another day for this or that for a minor charge like this.

I do agree go get a lawyer or a public defender. Next go to your local Health department and get into Counseling for alcohol.

If you are in school great if not get a job now so you can prove you are being responsible school looks better at your age.



If this is your first offense and you go in there having checked in to counseling and doing the right thing they will likely give you a fine and possibly community service. They may give probation for a year but i doubt it.

Most important thing I can share is You need a new group to hang with Better friends who want more out of life than a high.

Believe me That what you did could Quickly turn ugly and lead you down some really rough paths in life.

change it now while you can or you will be seeing a lot more court rooms in your future as well as jail cells.

Answer 6

Have you considered getting an attorney? That would be my suggestion. I know in my state you would be charged with "minor in possession" by means of consumption, as well being drunk in public. They could also throw in illegal transportation of alcohol, since you were in a vehicle, and in possession of alcohol (in your body). They could really hammer you... good luck... get legal representation!

Answer 7

i hope u've learned ur lesson!  you should really be talking to your attorney about this, and your options (yes u better have an attorney!).  its been my experience that people without attorneys often get worse punishments (at least in my area of cali).