fighting an underaged drinking ticket in vermont

[beecurran]

I recently received a ticket for underaged drinking in vermont. I am 18 years old and this is my first offense. The ticket I received was for $300. My other option was to go through court diversion and pay $175 plus 10 hours of community service, meetings with drug and alcohol counselors, diversion classes, and educational videos with written responses. I'm a college student and am struggling to pay for school either one of these fees would be better going towards my school payments. Also, I recently tore my ACL playing sports and needed to undergo surgery. DUring the initial injury I was unable to work and since the surgery itself I have been able to work 3 hours per week, which hardly pays for my gas. Is there anyway the judge would take this into consideration if I went to court? Or am I better off doing the court diversion process? Once again this is my first offense and my alcohol level was .086%.

 

[Antigone*]

I recently received a ticket for underaged drinking in vermont. I am 18 years old and this is my first offense. The ticket I received was for $300. My other option was to go through court diversion and pay $175 plus 10 hours of community service, meetings with drug and alcohol counselors, diversion classes, and educational videos with written responses. I'm a college student and am struggling to pay for school either one of these fees would be better going towards my school payments. Also, I recently tore my ACL playing sports and needed to undergo surgery. DUring the initial injury I was unable to work and since the surgery itself I have been able to work 3 hours per week, which hardly pays for my gas. Is there anyway the judge would take this into consideration if I went to court? Or am I better off doing the court diversion process? Once again this is my first offense and my alcohol level was .086%.

I'm sorry that you are a struggling college student who must suffer the consequences of his actions. I guess you will learn by suffering the consequences that living within the laws is cheaper and healthier for you than doing your own thing.

 

[Zigner]

I recently received a ticket for underaged drinking in vermont. I am 18 years old and this is my first offense. The ticket I received was for $300. My other option was to go through court diversion and pay $175 plus 10 hours of community service, meetings with drug and alcohol counselors, diversion classes, and educational videos with written responses. I'm a college student and am struggling to pay for school either one of these fees would be better going towards my school payments. Also, I recently tore my ACL playing sports and needed to undergo surgery. DUring the initial injury I was unable to work and since the surgery itself I have been able to work 3 hours per week, which hardly pays for my gas. Is there anyway the judge would take this into consideration if I went to court? Or am I better off doing the court diversion process? Once again this is my first offense and my alcohol level was .086%.

What is your defense again?

 

[beecurran]

i was wondering if there was anyway i would be able to catch a break, or if it was common for people to fight drinking tickets and win. I'm trying to weigh my options here.

 

[Antigone*]

i was wondering if there was anyway i would be able to catch a break, or if it was common for people to fight drinking tickets and win. I'm trying to weigh my options here.

No one can tell you what a judge is going to do when you go before them. I can tell you that the judge I personally know doesn't give breaks. Especially not to minors who break the law the first time. You see, this way, he doesn't usually see them in his courtroom again.

 

[HomeGuru]

What is your defense again?

**A: yes, we are waiting for this additional information.

 

[beecurran]

i guess i don't really have a defense, i'm wondering given my job circumstance, this being my first offense, my alcohol level being on the lower side, if you know any judges who've lessened the fine without having to go through diversion.

 

[proud_parent]

i guess i don't really have a defense, i'm wondering given my job circumstance, this being my first offense, my alcohol level being on the lower side, if you know any judges who've lessened the fine without having to go through diversion.

On the lower side?

You wrote that your BAC was .086% -- above the threshold to be considered per se intoxicated. It's a darn good thing you weren't operating a vehicle.

Take the diversion option and please, learn something from the experience.

 

[stealth2]

i guess i don't really have a defense, i'm wondering given my job circumstance, this being my first offense, my alcohol level being on the lower side, if you know any judges who've lessened the fine without having to go through diversion.

Plain and simple - you are underage for drinking. You drank. You got caught. Now you suffer the consequences. You knew what your job and financial circumstances were before breaking the law. Deal with it.