Legal Question in Criminal Law in Georgia

Last night I received a citation for minor in possession of alcohol. I am 19, and was drunk at a concert when an officer saw me. I admitted to drinking, since it was completely obvious. He did not arrest me, just gave me the citation and said I would have to pay a fine on my court date. This is the first time I've ever been in any kind of trouble. I am in college, about to get into the nursing program and I'm curious as to how this will hurt me. Will i get my license suspended or just have to pay a fine?

Asked on 12/14/14, 8:35 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Glen Ashman Ashman Law Office also dba Glen Ashman Attorney

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You have a setrious charge and absolutely need a lawyer - immediately. Hire one. A conviction for Minor in Possession of Alcohol in Georgia will result in a 6 month suspension of your drivers license without any permit to drive of any kind. This includes no permit to drive to work or school.

If you are convicted, you can be ordered to serve jail time, community service, pay high fines and fees, probation, alcohol evaluations and treatment programs, and other sanctions including that driver's license suspension. You will have a lifetime criminal record and the state nursing board will see it when you seek a license. And you may lose scholarships.

A lawyer may help explore options. You don't have to lose your license if certain dispositions other than a guilty plea happen. There are, in some courts, diversion programs. There are first offender or conditional discharge programs. There are other informal ways of dealing with these problems. You will not likely navigate these without a lawyer.

Answered on 12/14/14, 8:45 pm

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