Best way to handle an alcohol possesions summons in Maine?
I am 19, and recently received a summons for possession of alcohol by a minor in my college town. It was REALLY stupid of me for numerous reasons and I definitely learned something from it. However, I’m very uneasy with idea of having to appear in court because I’m not use to getting in trouble with the law. I try to keep reminding myself that it pretty much happens to kids everywhere, every weekend, but I’m still kind of freaked out.
1) Does anyone happen to know if this kind of thing stays on your record.
2) Can you get a court date/time moved? / Is it a big deal if I just don’t show up to my court date, but pay my fine?
3) Is it typical to get the fine lowered if you’re courteous and sincere? In Maine a first offense for something like this is 200–400 dollars. Ugh.
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9 Answers
Show up for the court date. Failure to appear is a big no no.
I think you should just go. This has happened to many many many a college student. You will survive. I know several people who had to go through this freshman year in college and it was ok.
Oh, and if you are summoned to court of course you have to show up. What kind of question is that?
It may or many not stay on your record depending on what the judge says. And you may or may not get the fine reduced if you go and you are sincere. Again, depends on the judge. Tell him you have no money and offer to do more community service (which you probably will have to do, along with taking a day long responsible alcohol treatment type course.
The ticket should say whether or not you have to appear, or if you can just pay the fine. Lots of time, the intent is to make it really inconvenient for you, and if you show, you may not have to pay. Go nicely dressed, and be respectful.
First, never ignore a summons. once ignored, it goes into an arrest warrant and this could cost you dearly. this is your first offense. go to court. first offenders usually get probation with minor offenses. you may have to pay a court cost, so be prepared. you can call the clerks office and request another court date, if you have a valid reason. never let a summons be unanswered. and yes, this will be on your record.
Okay, I thought it was important to go, but I had a couple friends who for some reason put it in my head that it they would just mail you the fine. So thank you, this was helpful!
Crazyo…......read my email to you. john
1. You are 19. It will stay on your record forever, possibly impeding your entrance into Heaven.
2. If you have the option to pay the fine then you really wouldn’t be missing your court date.
You can always ask for a continuance.
It is a big deal if you miss the court date as you will be cited for contempt of court and a bench warrant will be issued for your arrest.
3. It all depends on the judge, and whether s/he got laid the night before.
Ah, flaming youth! I can’t really remember it myself, but apparently, I had a good time.
Dress nice and respectful. Plead “guilty with an explination.”
Be as humble and sincere as you have been on this post. Apologize and as the judge to reduce the fee or if you need to to let you make payments.
When my daughter was in college she got a traffic ticket and couldn’t afford to pay it. She asked if she could do community service instead. She spent an interesting weekend picking up trash. She got an eye opener about what a charmed life she really had lived, talking to the others who had real life struggles that made her problems seem like Disneyland. It was good for her.
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