Arrested for underage possession of alc. What should I do?

Question

Last night I was arrested for underage possession at a frat party by an undercover cop. I am 18. I have a $360 fine to pay and a court date. The cop summarized it as a 'really big speeding ticket'. On my ticket the charge is listed as a 'violation'. Should I just pay the fine and get it over with or should I fight it and try to get it erased? Will it be dismissed if the cop doesn't show up to court like a speeding ticket? If If I choose to fight it do I need a lawyer? If pay the fine will it stay on my record forever? Thanks guys.

Answer 1

admit to it. and when you go to court ask for court mandated counseling for alcoholism in exchange for fines or what not.

Answer 2

varies state to state, in some states you simply attend a alcohol awareness class and it goes away.

Its not a crime, its a violation. ( ie not a misdemeanor or felony )

so the cop was right its similar to a speeding ticket.

Answer 3

lol your laws suck.GREECE how much i love you im very happy to born Greek! **** stupid laws.  

Answer 4

1> Yes, it would be dismissed if the cop doesn't show up, but trust me courts have systems in place to ensure that they do..

2> Yes, it will stay on your record, but its like a traffic ticket, it won't usually be visible on any but a deep background check.

3>  Make sure pleading guilty will have no effect on your license, it does in some states.  If not, I would just pay it.