I live in Michigan
I am a sophomore at Michigan State University. I was by the sidewalk, on campus, as a police car drove by. The police car pulled up and asked me to approach the vehicle. The officer set me in the back of the squad car and questioned me about my general information (I told him I was 19 and underage). He then asked me to take a breathalyzer test, when I took the breathalyzer (3 times) I had a BAC of .03%. I was as compliant, honest, and respectful as humanly possible. I got a ticket for an MIP and a warning for an open container of alcohol.
I planned on pleading guilty (I assume the safer route) and hoped on getting a diversion until I talked to a few friends that had MIPs last year. They received them in their dorm room w/ BACs of .09%. They were provided legal council by MSU free of charge, pleaded not guilty, and got 3 months of reporting probation. I went to the attorney's office and her receptionist. (the attorney was out of her office) The receptionist didn't answer any of my questions but instead told me to plead Not Guilty then contact the attorney. (I assume this is for a plea bargain which seems really risky)
I know that my circumstances are different, I was outside and the squad car's camera could have taped it when they drove by the first time. I am now very worried that the MIP, have it go on my record, and lose my future student loans, thus ending my academic career. I just want this to stay off of my record, and am worried if I plead not guilty that I could actually be found guilty.
I have a few questions:
1. What is the best route for me to take? Should I plead Guilty or Not Guilty?
2. If I plead Guilty can I get a diversion, and how/when do I ask for one (probation and the MIP expunged from my record)?
3. How do I keep this from getting on my record?
I am a sophomore at Michigan State University. I was by the sidewalk, on campus, as a police car drove by. The police car pulled up and asked me to approach the vehicle. The officer set me in the back of the squad car and questioned me about my general information (I told him I was 19 and underage). He then asked me to take a breathalyzer test, when I took the breathalyzer (3 times) I had a BAC of .03%. I was as compliant, honest, and respectful as humanly possible. I got a ticket for an MIP and a warning for an open container of alcohol.
I planned on pleading guilty (I assume the safer route) and hoped on getting a diversion until I talked to a few friends that had MIPs last year. They received them in their dorm room w/ BACs of .09%. They were provided legal council by MSU free of charge, pleaded not guilty, and got 3 months of reporting probation. I went to the attorney's office and her receptionist. (the attorney was out of her office) The receptionist didn't answer any of my questions but instead told me to plead Not Guilty then contact the attorney. (I assume this is for a plea bargain which seems really risky)
I know that my circumstances are different, I was outside and the squad car's camera could have taped it when they drove by the first time. I am now very worried that the MIP, have it go on my record, and lose my future student loans, thus ending my academic career. I just want this to stay off of my record, and am worried if I plead not guilty that I could actually be found guilty.
I have a few questions:
1. What is the best route for me to take? Should I plead Guilty or Not Guilty?
2. If I plead Guilty can I get a diversion, and how/when do I ask for one (probation and the MIP expunged from my record)?
3. How do I keep this from getting on my record?