Underage Possession of Alcohol?

About a month or so ago I was given a ticket for "Underage Possession of Alcohol" in a National Park. It was a park ranger who gave me the ticket, which carries a $125 fine, and he told me that I would receive a date to appear in federal court in the mail. He also told me I might be eligible for something called "pretrial diversion." If I just pay the ticket, am I eligible to loose my license a long with any possible heavier penalties? Also, what exactly is "pretrial diversion," and if I did this pretrial diversion would it be removed from my record? The park is in the state of Georgia.

Thanks

Kelle

If you sign the ticket and pay it you are saying you are guilty.

If you wait and go to court you will likely be offered a " diversion." This is someone talking to you, having you pay the ticket but not being charged, no juvenile record.The purpose of diversion is to keep teens with a simple charge from gumming up the court system.

I would talk to a lawyer - first 30 minutes are usually free.

I would not pay the ticket until i go to court and see what's up , BUT go with the lawyer's advice.

samlakey

Rog doesn't understand the legal system.

If you get a lawyer he could possibly get it plead down; see if you can do so. Talk to a lawyer. You may receive a lesser charge. This can be very important.

Kahless

When you get a notice, get a lawyer. He/she will present the case for you with you there, expect the $125 fine plus court costs. In about a year or two assuming you get no other similar ticket, you can get the event expunged from your record. Expect the lawyer to run you about $200 also.

Rog

Pretrial diversion probably means you might be able to send the money through the mail and not have to show up. Not sure about the rest though sorry.
Edit: Don't listen to the answerer under me. If your gonna pay the fine plus court cost anyway, what's the point in paying another 2 bills for a lawyer? I'll represent you for the same and get that result lol...Just mail it in if possible. And you will probably even avoid court cost. If not possible to mail it. Show up plead guilty and pay the damages.
Reedit: I understand the legal system and you're correct that a lawyer could get a lesser charge. I just don't see the point in paying the same fine AND a lawyer as the second answerer condoned when you'll pay that fine anyway. If getting a lesser charge is more to you than the money, by all means get a lawyer. He might even get you off on court cost alone. But you'll still pay him which will be at least as big a hit to your wallet or more than if you just plea guilty without the lawyer.

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