Legal Question in Criminal Law in Ohio

Contributing To Minors (alcohol)

Ok, here's my situation. I was working by myself and there were three people in line. I noticed a young man came in and i immediately recognized him because i specifically remember carding him before. Thats how i treat every customer, when i see one, i ask myself if i had carded them or not. Well as he came up to the counter, i noticed he had alcohol. I didnt card him because like i said i remember carding him before, but the problem was i forgot if i carded him for smokes or alcohol. he got pulled over and was found with the beer and now i have to go to court for contributing to minors which is a misdemeaner 1. How should i plead? should i get a lawyer? the max penalty is 1000 dollars fine and 6 months in jail, and im terrified. i will do anything to not get into jail. whats the possibility of me even going to jail for this offense? also i have a previous record of stealing from a store a year before, of which i paid my dues and went to jail because i couldnt pay my whole fine. will they loom at that and can they even use that against me seeing as its not relevant to this case? please respond, i dont have much time and im scared. Thanks- Bob


Asked on 5/07/05, 11:48 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Daniel Dismuke Daniel K. Dismuke, Attorney at Law

Re: Contributing To Minors (alcohol)

You should plead not guilty. Almost any prosecutor will at least offer some deal better than pleading to the charge after the arraignment.

An attorney is a good idea. Many prosecutors use non-represtented defendants as a way to keep their prosecution numbers up and will be more willing to offer a good deal to an attorney.

Furthermore, depending on the circumstances, this may be a he said-he said situation where an attorney could cast doubt in your favor.

Respectfully,

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Answered on 5/07/05, 7:40 pm
Joseph Jacobs Jacobs & Lowder

Re: Contributing To Minors (alcohol)

I agree with the previous response...you need a lawyer to get that reduced...that's a criminal conviction with six months of jail associated...maybe the kid will testify for you!

Joe Jacobs

216-952-1990

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Answered on 5/10/05, 7:56 am


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