CItation for underage consumption
Last week I was caught by the police at one of the parties off-campus, and since I am under 21 and I was drinking (I had to blow in the tube) they gave me a citation ticket for underage consumption. They said I'm supposed to wait 10 days and call the number on the ticket. Let me hightlight that I was NOT driving and there were no car accidents. It was just a party.
To be honest, I really don't know what is going to happen now. How grave is this? My record is clean and I never had anything like that happen before, not even a driving ticket. What exactly does Citation mean? Is it going to appear on my record? If so, for how long? And also, how is it going to affect me in future, say, while trying to get a job? Do I have to appear at the court? Is there anyting I can do to convince the police to get it off my record (say, if I do community service or something like that)?
It is of special importance for me to be able to get this off the record since I am an international student, and I may have problems renewing my student visa.
I would greatly appreciate any advice concerning my situation.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: CItation for underage consumption
You are right to be worried about your visa.
Underage drinking is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1000 and 90 days in jail or both. The usual penalty, however, would be a fine and perhaps an interview with a probation officer as to whether you have a drinking problem. If you are found to have a problem, the officer might order you to attend a class or even alcohol treatment(an unlikely result for a first offense).
Depending on your story and on the reading of the breath test, it is possible that a deal of some kind could be made to keep this off your record. For example, the city might agree to a continuance for dismissal. That is a process where you don't plead guilty, but instead pay some court costs. Then if you follow all conditions, which would be up the the judge, the charge could be dismissed after a year or so.
This response is for general information purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Related Questions & Answers
Looking for something else?
10,200 active attorneys ready to answer your legal questions today.
Featured Attorneys
Earn additional revenue and grow your business.
