18 year old with underage consumption

[momof teens]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? OH
My 18 year old daughter was at a house party where there was alcohol. The party was busted and the 18 and over kids were ticketed. My daughter was not drinking but was grouped in with the rest of the crowd. No breathalyzer was given or offered. At the arraignment my daughter pled not guilty. We have a new court date on June 16. What can we expect and should we hire an attorney? Someone told me that if the officer does not show up at the hearing the case will be dismissed.

[JETX]

Originally Posted by momof teens

We have a new court date on June 16. What can we expect

If your new court date is the hearing on the matter... you can expect:
Prosecutor to present the states case against her. She can then present her defense (you can't help her unless YOU are an attorney). The court (or jury, if a jury trial) will determine her guilt or not.

and should we hire an attorney?

If you want ANY chance of her not being found guilty.... yes.

Someone told me that if the officer does not show up at the hearing the case will be dismissed.

Happens very seldom now. Used to be that officers were required to show up on 'duty days'. Now, most departments have their act together and it is pretty rare that an officer doesn't show up at the hearing.