Im 19 and just got charged with a Minor in Consumption.?

Question

This is my first and only violation with the law, i have no prior tickets. Do i plead guilty? Is there anything i can do? I blew a .065. Will this effect my insurance, will i have to tell my parents? I know the max fine is $500, but what do you think I will get being this is my first offense with the law period.

Answer 1

You are lucky you didn't get caught where I live.  If you were driving at the time you would be charged with a dui.  Our law states anyone under 21 with a b.a.c. over .02 can be charged with a dui.  If you were not, get a lawyer and try to get a diversion.  If you stay clean for the probationary period it will not be on your record.

Answer 2

You didn't blow the impaired level so therefore you were only charged with a minor consuming. You'll most likely have to enter a guilty plea as the Officer issuing the cite will most likely be in court. It is reportable to the DMV and your insurance company does have access to that information. You may want to consult duty council before court on that day. You may even want to hire a lawyer, in which case ask to have the case remanded until another day so you can obtain council.

Answer 3

I would plead guilty and admit responsibility.  This will show the presiding judge that you are owning up to your mistake.  Also, the level of you BrAC (breath alcohol content) should have little bearing.  If Texas has a zero tolerance policy for minors, then it will still be Minor Consumption.  Be respectful to the judge and I'm sure everything will work out fine for you.  Good luck!

Answer 4

--- You plead what you feel you should plead if you choose to go to court. But a .065 is considered very close to legally intoxicated in many places and there is no close call here.

--- It could very well effect your insurance rates, you will have to check with your carrier to find out as every carrier is different in how they handle these things.

--- You are a legal adult at age 19 and thus you are not required to tell your parents about this, however, if they are paying your insurance you can bet they will find out if/when their rate goes up by 20%.

--- Also, in many states you may lose you drivers license for this violation. You will have to check your local laws.

--- Your copy of the citation should have the bond/fine amount written on it. On these citations in most states you can simply go and pay the fine before the court date and thats it, unless it says you must appear for some reason on the citation.

--- Of course if you plan to ask for a trial or you want to talk to the city attorney or the judge about this you will have to appear in court.

Answer 5

Could easily get a year of probation.Along with a fine.

How are you gonna keep it from your folks?

What happens if they find out and you didn't tell them?

Answer 6

It depends on what state you are in. Most states are really cracking down on young offenders. Be it first time or not.