Minor consumption in Indiana... Please help, tommorow I have to go to court

[Rstantone1]

Tommorow I have to go to court for a minor consumption ticket I am 18. I'm not going to lie I'm quite scared. Here's my situation. I was drinking with a few friends at his lake house while watching the sunset. I was asked to help a family friend of mine who had been drinking down at the beach get himself back to the house since I was not very intoxicated.( he has an alchohal problem). So as I was walking him up a police officer stopped me asked my age if i had been drinking ect i told the truth was and respectful. He brought me back to the station and wrote me a minor consumption ticket I left the officer on good terms and I apologized and he said thank you for handling it with remorse and like a gentleman. Anyway I go to court tommorow. I have never had any experience with law and thIs is my first offense for anything. I have no Idea what to expect, say what my rights are, will the officer be there, will this effect college or jobs? I am extremely sorry for what happened and I know it was wrong to drink. I never meant any harm. If anyone can give me advice or a heads up on what to expect it would be GREATLY apretiated !! Thanks

[AFFA]

I wish to inform you that in Indiana the legal age to drink is 21 years. If you are 18 years of age and you consent to drinking then you may be held liable misdemeanor charge. You can discuss with public prosecutor and do plea bargaining.

AFF

[sandyclaus]

Originally Posted by Rstantone1 Tommorow I have to go to court for a minor consumption ticket I am 18. I'm not going to lie I'm quite scared. Here's my situation. I was drinking with a few friends at his lake house while watching the sunset. I was asked to help a family friend of mine who had been drinking down at the beach get himself back to the house since I was not very intoxicated.( he has an alchohal problem). So as I was walking him up a police officer stopped me asked my age if i had been drinking ect i told the truth was and respectful. He brought me back to the station and wrote me a minor consumption ticket I left the officer on good terms and I apologized and he said thank you for handling it with remorse and like a gentleman. Anyway I go to court tommorow. I have never had any experience with law and thIs is my first offense for anything. I have no Idea what to expect, say what my rights are, will the officer be there, will this effect college or jobs? I am extremely sorry for what happened and I know it was wrong to drink. I never meant any harm. If anyone can give me advice or a heads up on what to expect it would be GREATLY apretiated !! Thanks

Underage consumption in IN is a class C misdemeanor, with a penalty of up to 60 days in jail, up to a $500 fine, mandatory alcohol classes at the minors expense, and a mandatory drivers license suspension of at least one year, up to suspension until you turn 21. Since this is an alcohol related offence, you can also expect your car insurance rates to go through the ceiling, even though you weren't driving at the time.

Any kind of criminal record can affect your ability to obtain employment and it could very well affect your college applications.

[Rstantone1]

Originally Posted by sandyclaus Underage consumption in IN is a class C misdemeanor, with a penalty of up to 60 days in jail, up to a $500 fine, mandatory alcohol classes at the minors expense, and a mandatory drivers license suspension of at least one year, up to suspension until you turn 21. Since this is an alcohol related offence, you can also expect your car insurance rates to go through the ceiling, even though you weren't driving at the time. Any kind of criminal record can affect your ability to obtain employment and it could very well affect your college applications.

Im already accepted to college? Does it effect this? And where are you getting this info/ credibility
And I need advice here too not just consequences

[sandyclaus]

Originally Posted by Rstantone1 Im already accepted to college? Does it effect this? And where are you getting this info/ credibility And I need advice here too not just consequences

IC 7.1-5-7-7 Illegal possession Sec. 7. (a) It is a Class C misdemeanor for a minor to knowingly: (1) possess an alcoholic beverage; (2) consume it; or (3) transport it on a public highway when not accompanied by at least one (1) of his parents or guardians. (b) If a minor is found to have violated subsection (a) while operating a motor vehicle, the court may order the minor's driver's license suspended for up to one (1) year. However, if the minor is less than eighteen (18) years of age, the court shall order the minor's driver's license suspended for at least sixty (60) days. (c) The court shall deliver any order suspending the minor's driver's license under this section to the bureau of motor vehicles, which shall suspend the minor's driver's license under IC 9-24-18-12 for the period ordered by the court. (Formerly: Acts 1973, P.L.55, SEC.1.) As amended by Acts 1978, P.L.2, SEC.710; Acts 1982, P.L.69, SEC.15; P.L.53-1994, SEC.1.

As for what to do, since this is a criminal offense, you should be speaking with an attorney about the consequences and how best to proceed. If you don't have one, hire one NOW.

[Rstantone1]

Originally Posted by sandyclaus As for what to do, since this is a criminal offense, you should be speaking with an attorney about the consequences and how best to proceed. If you don't have one, hire one NOW.

Oh I really didn't think I needed an attorney! for this at least that's what I've been told. What if I can't afford one can I ask for one ?

[sandyclaus]

Originally Posted by Rstantone1 Oh I really didn't think I needed an attorney! for this at least that's what I've been told. What if I can't afford one can I ask for one ?

Yes. When you appear, before you enter a plea or discuss the case, let the court know that you cannot afford an attorney and they should appoint you a Public Defender to at least handle the arraignment.