Busted in the parking lot

[Big_Donut]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? CA

25620(a)

Long story short, I got busted a few months back for having beer in my possession in the parking lot of a beach in Long Beach, CA. I know I am pretty much going to have to pay it, and am fine with it, as it was my fault.

Now what I am curious to know is, on the citation they put drinking in public (which is what I did) and next to it (which is what bugs/worries me), they circled misdemeanor rather than infraction. I don't quite know if this means anything, or if they upped the charges somehow. I am just confused and worried. My friend who is a sheriff said that the code is for an infraction, and doesn't know why it was marked as a misdemeanor.

Please help. I am absolutely clueless as to what is going to happen.

[CdwJava]

He circled the wrong letter ... no biggie. The offense usually has a fine and, possibly, community service attached to it.

It should not be a big deal unless you repeat it.

- Carl

[Big_Donut]

Originally Posted by CdwJava

He circled the wrong letter ... no biggie. The offense usually has a fine and, possibly, community service attached to it.

It should not be a big deal unless you repeat it.

- Carl

Thank you, just one other thing. If it does get charged as a misdemeanor, would it have an effect on my record, i.e. going for the CPA exam or future employment?

Thanks again

[CdwJava]

Originally Posted by Big_Donut

Thank you, just one other thing. If it does get charged as a misdemeanor, would it have an effect on my record, i.e. going for the CPA exam or future employment?

Thanks again

If charged as a misdemeanor, it could. But, according to the code, it's an infraction. However, if they amend the vilolation to a muni code section that IS a misdemeanor, then it might have an effect. I seriously doubt that will happen, though.

If you are not forced to get fingerprinted for this event before or at court, then I wouldn't worry about it much. However, it NEVER hurts to speak with an attorney to get the straight scoop for your court.

- Carl

[Big_Donut]

Ok.

Yeah I am going to hunt down someone for legal advice, just wanted to make sure I was not being tugged around first. I was not finger printed when it happened, they didn't even check my/our ID's, didn't even let us know what it was for (guess we already knew).

Thanks man.

[Big_Donut]

one last question.

The HBD (Had Been Drinking) box was checked. Is this going to change anything. Or was it more of an observation.

[CdwJava]

Originally Posted by Big_Donut

one last question.

The HBD (Had Been Drinking) box was checked. Is this going to change anything. Or was it more of an observation.

I've never seen a cite with an HBD box, but I suspect it was an observation.

- Carl