Legal Question in Criminal Law in Illinois

Underage drinking/ resisting a police officer

I recently was arrested and charged for underage drinking and resisting a peace officer. I was at a party when we were told the police where coming. I then proceeded to leave with another person and as I was leaving my arm was grabbed and thrown to the ground. My friend ran in fear and I was arrested. I admit to being intoxicated but in no way did I resist arrest. My court date is in about a month and would like an opinion on a course of action. I am a poor college student without any parental help financially. Any help would be greatly appreciated.


Asked on 12/14/08, 10:41 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
Zedrick Braden III Ainsworth & Associates PC

Re: Underage drinking/ resisting a police officer

Hello. If you are unable to afford a private attorney, you should ask the court to appoint a public defender to represent you. A defendant is not obligated to enter a plea of guilty, if he or she is represented by a public defender. Will be happy to discuss your situation further and in more detail.

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Answered on 12/14/08, 10:49 pm
Jeremy Richey Jeremy Richey, Attorney at Law

Re: Underage drinking/ resisting a police officer

In addition to the public defender, your college may provide an attorney for you free of charge. I would search your school's website and see what you can find. The office you are looking for may be called Student Legal Services.

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Answered on 12/15/08, 9:01 am
Michael R. Nack Michael R. Nack, Attorney at Law

Re: Underage drinking/ resisting a police officer

I would advise you to consult with an attorney without further delay. It may very well be that you can afford to hire a private lawyer to represent you. These charges are far too serious for you to consider simply pleading guilty, and convictions on these charges should be avoided if at all possible. If you really can not hire an attorney then show up at your court date and request the appointment of a public defender. Good luck.

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Answered on 12/15/08, 1:05 pm


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