What is the name of your state? NC
Pretty basic story-- I was tailgating with friends at a concert and was drinking some liquor from a small container when someone said they saw a cop car so I threw the alcohol in my purse. The cops came over and breathalyzed my friend and I (we are both 18 and blew 0.04's). There was beer near us as well, and the cop kept asking me if a cup of beer in the back seat had been mine (it was not). Initially I told him it was not, but then got worried that I would get in more trouble for hard liquor (which they never found) so I told him that I had had a cup earlier though that specific one was not mine. I was given a citation for "under the age 21 possessing a malt beverage" (G.S. 18B-302b). My questions:
a) Even though the cop never saw me with the cup from the car (because I never had it) should I just go along with that it was mine? Is this the easiest thing?
b) Should I get a lawyer? It's very hard for me to afford one but will find a way if it's in my best interest
c) Is there a difference in the consequences of a possession and consumption charge? My friend got an underage consumption citation.
d) The cop also mentioned that there was a way to clear this from my record since it was a first offense in return for a fine, community service, and an alcohol program. What are the details about this? If I represent myself, what do I say?
Thank you!
Pretty basic story-- I was tailgating with friends at a concert and was drinking some liquor from a small container when someone said they saw a cop car so I threw the alcohol in my purse. The cops came over and breathalyzed my friend and I (we are both 18 and blew 0.04's). There was beer near us as well, and the cop kept asking me if a cup of beer in the back seat had been mine (it was not). Initially I told him it was not, but then got worried that I would get in more trouble for hard liquor (which they never found) so I told him that I had had a cup earlier though that specific one was not mine. I was given a citation for "under the age 21 possessing a malt beverage" (G.S. 18B-302b). My questions:
a) Even though the cop never saw me with the cup from the car (because I never had it) should I just go along with that it was mine? Is this the easiest thing?
b) Should I get a lawyer? It's very hard for me to afford one but will find a way if it's in my best interest
c) Is there a difference in the consequences of a possession and consumption charge? My friend got an underage consumption citation.
d) The cop also mentioned that there was a way to clear this from my record since it was a first offense in return for a fine, community service, and an alcohol program. What are the details about this? If I represent myself, what do I say?
Thank you!