Legal Question in Criminal Law in Missouri

During a float trip in Dallas county Missouri I was stopped by water patrol, when my canoe-mate saw the sheriff's on the shore he and I started to dump the cans.. the officer waded out and grab the front of the boat and pulled us to shore. Upon banking they proceeded to look in the boat and see the 6 empty beer cans we had left. So after the process of breathalizing and sobrity tests we (the other guy in the canoe with me) were searched and the officers proceeded to find the marijuana I had in my bag along with the associated paraphernalia... SO I wasn't arrested, I passed my sobriety test and breathalyzer, but I acquired 4 tickets: MIP, Littering, Possession, and Paraphernalia. Also I have had one offense before this, shoplifting..

So my question is: I'm moving to chicago for school on the 28th, and my court date is the 26th... Could I just pay the fines and be done with it if I chose? Or if I can't will the charges hinder me from moving to chicago, legally of course?


Asked on 8/19/09, 10:47 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael R. Nack Michael R. Nack, Attorney at Law

Do not plead guilty and pay your fines! Doing so will very definitely have severe negative consequences for you sooner or later, and probably both sooner and later. You can go to Chicago. But, you may have to make a personal court appearance in he court where the charges are pending. I can not possibly overemphasize the fact that you need to hire a local criminal defense lawyer to represent you. It doesn't matter how much the lawyer costs you, it will be worth it. You will regret it if you fail to do so. Once you hire an attoroey, your attorney will explain everything to you.

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Answered on 8/19/09, 11:22 pm


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