Legal Question in DUI Law in Minnesota

Re: Underage Consumption First Offense

If the prosecutor and court have decided that a potential misdemeanor crime is to be deemed a "payable offense" (meaning you can plead guilty by simply mailing in a fine and be done with it - no jail), then that is a "petty misdemeanor" and not a crime under Minnesota law. If the underage consumption violation is alleged to have happened in connection with a motor vehicle, your driver license could be impacted as well as your drivers license record.

The real issue in cases like this is: "Do you want to fight to keep your public record 'clean'?" If you do, you could be successful. Of course, it would help to have a good defense lawyer.

Re: Underage Consumption First Offense

As long as you are pleading to this as a non-driving offense, it does not go on your driving record. I am not sure you should take what it says on the back of the ticket for granted, however. At least call the court and ask them if your understanding is correct.

The underage drinking thing is still not a very good item to have on your record. If you are over 18, that's a permanent record we are talking about. Depending on the circumstances and on what county and city you are in, there may be a deal to be had that would keep it off your record.

You should take that ticket to a lawyer and talk it over.

This response is for general information purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Good luck.