Sell or Gift of Alcohol to an Underage Person

While camping in a Federal Park where consumption of alcohol is legal, a park ranger (federal officer) stopped by our campsite and asked to see our identification. It turns out that a friend of mine, whom I had only known for a couple of weeks was only 20 years of age. The ranger cited the underage person with possession of an alcoholic beverage and gave me a citation of “Gift or Sell of Alcohol to an Underage Person”. This is a mandatory federal court appearance.

My question is how should I go about this. I have never had anything on my record and do not want this offense to be there either. I am willing to pay a fine, community service or whatever I can do to keep this off my permanent record. I have never been in court and don’t know the process, so how should I approach the judge and what should I ask for? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.