Legal Question in Criminal Law in Minnesota

Last night I was given a ticket for possession of marijuana (less than 1 gram), possession of drug paraphernalia, and under age consumption of alcohol. (I blew .25 on the breathalyzer) Now, I’ve never been in trouble before so I was considering taking it to court just to try and have the ticket reduced. Is this a good idea? Do I need a lawyer? Is there any chance I can do community service instead of paying the fine? Or am I just better off paying it? I wasn’t actually arrested, but will this still follow me, and give me some kind of record? Or is it the same thing as a speeding ticket? As a college student new to Minnesota I’m broke and not really familiar with any of the local laws and any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!


Asked on 9/04/10, 2:30 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Maury Beaulier612.240.8005 Minnesota Lawyers

If you are convicted, you would have a record that remains indefinitely. Such a reccord can affect your employability. As a result, you should certainly have an attorney.

A court may always require sentence to service (A form of community service) payable at an hourpy rate to satisfy fines.

For a consultation call 612.240.8005.

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Answered on 9/09/10, 3:22 pm
Julie Plumitis Plumitis Law LLC

If you are a student and indeed broke, you may qualify for a public defender - if you are charged with anything above a misdemeanor (gross misdemeanor or above). Check this out before you hire an attorney. Most Minnesota Public Defenders are very good, have a good rapport with the prosecutor which will help negotiate a decent plea. That said, yes - you should have an attorney, if not a public defender, then someone who will assist you on a sliding scale. Let me know if you have any other questions.

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Answered on 9/14/10, 10:37 pm


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