Public Intoxiaction- Do I need a lawyer to plead not guilty?

What is the name of your state?ga

I am a 27 y/o professional who received a public intoxication a month ago and approaching a court date next week, I am debating whether or not it is necessary for me to retain a lawyer, I can afford this blemish on my record.

The scenario is as follows: I had 3 glasses of wine with dinner at 9:00 with friends, went swimming at midnight (yes, I was clothed) at friends apartment pool which was closed. Neighbors called the police for a noise disturbance and we were all issued citations for public intoxication without being given any type of sobriety test. Three hours had passed and we were not intoxicated, therefore I do not feel as though I should pay this fine.

Should I plead not guilty at my court hearing next week, or in order to do so do I need to retain a lawyer? The officer will most likely be present at the hearing because I have contacted the department to request an incident report, the officer has made untrue statements on the report. With a no contest plea, do you still have to pay the fine? Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you in advance.

[HomeGuru]

Originally Posted by ld5720

What is the name of your state?ga

I am a 27 y/o professional who received a public intoxication a month ago and approaching a court date next week, I am debating whether or not it is necessary for me to retain a lawyer, I can afford this blemish on my record.

The scenario is as follows: I had 3 glasses of wine with dinner at 9:00 with friends, went swimming at midnight (yes, I was clothed) at friends apartment pool which was closed. Neighbors called the police for a noise disturbance and we were all issued citations for public intoxication without being given any type of sobriety test. Three hours had passed and we were not intoxicated, therefore I do not feel as though I should pay this fine.

Should I plead not guilty at my court hearing next week, or in order to do so do I need to retain a lawyer? The officer will most likely be present at the hearing because I have contacted the department to request an incident report, the officer has made untrue statements on the report. With a no contest plea, do you still have to pay the fine? Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you in advance.

**A: yes, hire the best attorney that money can buy.

Unfortunately, HomeGuru, I have read your cynical BS on other forums. I am however, seeking any additional advice from someone who has something constructive to add. Thanks

[HomeGuru]

Originally Posted by ld5720

Unfortunately, HomeGuru, I have read your cynical BS on other forums. I am however, seeking any additional advice from someone who has something constructive to add. Thanks

**A: my response was serious. A good attorney would be able to get the charges dismissed.

[HomeGuru]

[quote=ld5720]What is the name of your state?ga

I am a 27 y/o professional who received a public intoxication a month ago and approaching a court date next week, I am debating whether or not it is necessary for me to retain a lawyer, I can afford this blemish on my record.

**A: what an idiot. Why are you so concerned when you CAN afford this blemish on your record?

WOW, name calling......now that's mature. I must be an idiot if I forgot to proofread a simple posting.

Does the word bitter mean anything to you...there are meds for that ya know.

[CdwJava]

There is a difference between "untrue" and interpretations. What you may think is untrue may actually be what the officer recalled. Different interpretations does not make something untrue.

Do you need an attorney? If you want to get "off" - yeah, you probably do. Otherwise, it is your word against the officer's. And given the circumstances, you were probably fortunate to get the Public Intox cite as opposed to being arrested for trespassing.

It's probably a big whopping 'nothing' as far as criminal violations go, but to stand a chance of keeping it off your record you will have to heed Guru's advice and get an attorney.

Carl

I do suppose I was lucky that trespassing wasn't the violation, since the pool was closed. It may or may not be a big deal as far as future employers are concerned but my industry can be picky at times, so I'd better not risk it and hire an attorney as you suggested. Thanks, Lindsay