What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Virginia
I recently got a ticket for drinking in public in Richmond, VA. I was sitting in my car, in a dark parking lot, and my friend and I took a swig out of an ounce-size mini rum bottle before we were going to get out of the car and go to a concert. A bike cop rolled up and ticketed us. My keys weren't in the ignition, and he knew I wasn't going to drive, so he only charged us with drinking in public.
The charge is pre-payable, but I'm wondering if there is a chance that the judge will dismiss it, if I go to court. I've never even been convicted of a speeding ticket before, the bottle was so small, and I didn't know I could get in trouble for what I was doing. I know it's only a class 4 misdemeanor, but I'm worried this may affect me during background checks or jobs in the school system.
What I'm really worried about is, whether, if I go to court, I might get into MORE trouble for having been in a motor vehicle.
Also, could I ask for a public defender? If so, would it be worth it?
I appreciate any help you can offer.
I recently got a ticket for drinking in public in Richmond, VA. I was sitting in my car, in a dark parking lot, and my friend and I took a swig out of an ounce-size mini rum bottle before we were going to get out of the car and go to a concert. A bike cop rolled up and ticketed us. My keys weren't in the ignition, and he knew I wasn't going to drive, so he only charged us with drinking in public.
The charge is pre-payable, but I'm wondering if there is a chance that the judge will dismiss it, if I go to court. I've never even been convicted of a speeding ticket before, the bottle was so small, and I didn't know I could get in trouble for what I was doing. I know it's only a class 4 misdemeanor, but I'm worried this may affect me during background checks or jobs in the school system.
What I'm really worried about is, whether, if I go to court, I might get into MORE trouble for having been in a motor vehicle.
Also, could I ask for a public defender? If so, would it be worth it?
I appreciate any help you can offer.