Local Ordinances

[Opeth]

State: Illinois
City: Westmont
Age: 18

Hi there everyone. I was recently arrested and charged with underage consumption, and possession of cannabis. Both tickets are local ordinances, that I am sure of. I paid $75 in cash for bail and got a receipt saying it was for both tickets.

The "You must appear in court" box is not checked on either ticket, however the court location is filled out (they did it with a stamp at the police department).

My question is, where do I go from here? I just want to pay my fines and be done with the whole thing so can I just fill out the back of the ticket and send it in? There are no fines stated on the ticket. How do I find out what to pay? Must I go to court?

Violations:
Local Ord. Chap 10, Sec 112- Underage consumption of alcohol
Local Ord. Chap 58, Sec 28- Unlawful possession of cannabis

Any help is much appreciated!

 

[Opeth]

Anyone have an opinion on my circumstances here?

 

[The Occultist]

Calling the court (their phone number should be on the ticket) would be the best way to yield the answers you seek.

 

[publius]

My question is, where do I go from here? I just want to pay my fines and be done with the whole thing so can I just fill out the back of the ticket and send it in? There are no fines stated on the ticket. How do I find out what to pay? Must I go to court?

Violations:
Local Ord. Chap 10, Sec 112- Underage consumption of alcohol
Local Ord. Chap 58, Sec 28- Unlawful possession of cannabis

Any help is much appreciated!

Violation of Westmont Municipal Code 58-28 is punishable by a fine of anywhere from $10 to $750. Violation of 10-112 is punishable by a fine of $50 to $1000. You probably do have to go to court, even if you admit liability, so the judge can decide how much to fine you (within those ranges). So start thinking of reasons to give the judge why a light fine is enough to make you learn your lesson. And consider yourself lucky that you weren't charged under state law for cannabis possession, which would have been a misdemeanor. Like the others have said, call the court to confirm when you need to appear. Showing up on time (i.e. a few minutes early), looking well-groomed, and being polite and respectful will reflect well on you.

 

[Opeth]

thanks for the advice!

I have my court date on Weds this week.
To clarify one more time, the maximum penalties I face are fines correct??

I'm a bit worried about my license being suspended because of the "use it or lose it" law in my state. However, I have rationalized that I will not receive a punishment like this because I did not receive state charges...merely the ordinance violation tickets.

Thanks again