Ithaca DWI and Criminal Defense Lawyer: What happens if you get an Under 21 Possession of Alcohol charge in Ithaca City Court?

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WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU GET AN
"UNDER 21 Possession of Alcohol" Ticket in Ithaca City Court?

This is one of those things that I handle frequently.  If you are an Ithaca College student or a Cornell University student, you may be ticketed with this offense during your four years of college.  

"Under 21 Possession of Alcohol" is an Ithaca City Code violation, it is a CIVIL ticket, not a criminal matter. 

In most cases, you are facing a Fine, Community Service, an Alcohol Education class, and in extreme circumstances (really extreme) up to 15 days in county jail. 

Normally, pleading guilty to this ticket is not a big deal as it is a CIVIL infraction (like a traffic ticket), but if you are a member of the ROTC program or have plans to enter the military then this ticket can be a BIG DEAL.  

Do you need a lawyer for this ticket?  

A:  It depends.  

As a lawyer who makes his living representing people, take this advice with a grain of salt because it is in my self-interest; however, I will say that having an attorney present can make the punishment from the city prosecutor more lenient.  

In some cases, I have gotten these tickets reduced from a significant fine and community service to just a 2 day alcohol class.  Again, every case is different.  

If you absolutely CANNOT have an alcohol-related offense on your record, then it is probably in your best interest to have a lawyer for this ticket.  We can sometimes negotiate an end result that IS NOT alcohol-related.  

What is the "BASICS" Alcohol Class?

BASICS stands for "Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention of College Students"

It is a program offered by the Tompkins County Drug and Alcohol Council designed for college students in the community.  

Sessions are by appointment throughout the week. 

It is a 2 session program that provides education to college students about alcohol and other drugs in a one-on-one environment.  The focus of the program is to educate students about alcohol use and abuse.  

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT an Under 21 Possession of Alcohol Ticket in Ithaca City Court, give me a call:

607-229-5184

E:  mike.ithacadwi@gmail.com

By Attorney Mike Cyr

www.ithacadwi.com

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