The new forums will be named Coin Return (based on the most recent vote)! You can check on the status and timeline of the transition to the new forums here.
The Guiding Principles and New Rules document is now in effect.
Legal Advice (North Carolina)
Jinn
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
I am a resident of Georgia. Back in December, while visiting Asheville, NC, I was ticketed for an open container violation in a parking deck by the civic center. I was not driving, or even sitting in, a vehicle. I was standing next to a parked vehicle with an open bottle of liquor. I was approached by two plain clothes police officers. One displayed his badge as he approached. They hassled my friend for a moment, who was not in possession of a beverage, and then proceeded to write me a ticket. As the officer was writing the ticket, he explained that in that particular county an open container violation is a Class 3 Misdemeanor, as I recall, which requires a court appearance. He then suggested that I not show up for court, in which case a non-extraditable warrant would be issued for my arrest in that county only. This sounds like terrible advice, and I was a little shocked that the ticketing officer would suggest such a thing. The second officer disposed of my beverage and they went on their way.
Now, my court date is coming up in a couple weeks and I reckon its time I did something about it. I've never been in any sort of legal trouble like this before, and I am not sure how to handle it. I am 23 years old. I cannot afford official legal advice. I have been googling for some info, but haven't found much that is helpful or seems particularly reliable. Plus, as I said, I am not the least bit familiar with navigating the legal system.
Anyone have any clue what sort of punishment I'm facing? I assume it will be a fine, but I gather that simply paying the fine means a guilty plea and a criminal record for the rest of my life, which seems absurd for such a minor offense. Any advice or info that you all may be able to offer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, people of the internet.
Edit: Also, my court appearance is schedule for a Thursday. I am a college student, and in class all day Thursday. This is obviously a problem. What to do?
Now, my court date is coming up in a couple weeks and I reckon its time I did something about it. I've never been in any sort of legal trouble like this before, and I am not sure how to handle it. I am 23 years old. I cannot afford official legal advice. I have been googling for some info, but haven't found much that is helpful or seems particularly reliable. Plus, as I said, I am not the least bit familiar with navigating the legal system.
Anyone have any clue what sort of punishment I'm facing? I assume it will be a fine, but I gather that simply paying the fine means a guilty plea and a criminal record for the rest of my life, which seems absurd for such a minor offense. Any advice or info that you all may be able to offer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, people of the internet.
Edit: Also, my court appearance is schedule for a Thursday. I am a college student, and in class all day Thursday. This is obviously a problem. What to do?
Jinn on
0
Posts