Public Intox

[dgutc]

What is the name of your state?

Tennessee

A friend and I (both of us 20 years old) were drunk on a dry college campus. We went outside where the police stopped us, questioned us, and told us to return to our rooms. After 10 minutes we exited our room via a different route, we were in the elevator and it broke down...forcing us to call 911 to escape. Upon our escape, the police we encountered before were there...and arrested us for Public Intoxication. We got out on bond and our court date is this coming monday.

I'm an honors student with NO criminal record, I have never done anything wrong legally in my life..etc. I realize that I am VERY lucky that the police didn't charge me with underage consumption.

I'm curious as to what my options are? Is it possible that the Judge will drop my case? Since this is a Class C misdemeanor...is there any chance to get this expunged? What strategy should I take upon appearing in court? Will I have an opportunity to express that sentiment before pleading?

I don't mind paying a $50 fine...I just want this off my record...is there any way?

Thanks

dg

 

[seniorjudge]

I am always astounded by folks who are told by the cops to stay home and then then folks wander out and start whining when they get arrested. Oh, well. I will never figure out people.



Standard answer

Here are some hints on appearing in court:

Dress professionally in clean clothes.

Do not wear message shirts.

Don't chew gum, smoke, or eat.

Bathe and wash your hair.

Do not bring small children or your friends.

Go to court beforehand some day before you actually have to go to watch how things go.

Speak politely and deferentially. If you argue or dispute something, do it professionally and without emotion.

Ask the court clerk who you talk to about a diversion (meaning you want to plead to a different, lesser charge), if applicable in your situation. Ask about traffic school and the ticket not go on your record, if applicable.


Here are five stories that criminal court judges hear the most (and I suggest you do not use them or variations of them):

1. I’ve been saved! (This is not religion specific; folks from all kinds of religious backgrounds use this one.)

2. My girlfriend/mother/sister/daughter is pregnant/sick/dying/dead/crippled and needs my help.

3. I’ve got a job in [name a state five hundred miles away].

4. This is the first time I ever did this.

5. You’ve got the wrong guy. (A variation of this one is the phantom defendant story: “It wasn’t me driving, it was a hitchhiker I picked up. He wrecked the car, drug me behind the wheel then took off.”)

https://forum.freeadvice.com/showthread.php?p=854687#post854687

Public defender’s advice

http://newyork.craigslist.org/about/best/sfo/70300494.html


Other people may give you other advice; stand by.