juskl
Well-Known Member
Wow, there is alot of paranoia over this. Getting a minor in posession charge is a misdemeanor. Whether the charge was under the state liquor code (Title 4 in Az) or under a city ordinance. It is still arrestable. Whether you were put into cuffs or not, it is still an arrest. However, it is called a cite in lue of arrest and is the officer's discretion. It is still a misdemeanor. Not a felony.You could make the arguement that since you were not booked in jail that you technically were not arrested but cited. So tell a potential employer that you were cited.
Generally, the only time we do anything with a bar is if we are having problems there. DUI issues, fights, underage, drugs, gangs....etc.... We cite everyone involved, because we have to. And to be fare mistakes are made, but generally the good bars and clubs keep a very good watch on their own business and we generally don't get many problems. Most even work with us on this issue, because they know that it is to their benefit.
Do not under any circumstances try to contact the officer. If the officer did "fix" it and it is found out, he will get in major trouble and could possibly be fired. So don't do it, because they probably won't. We are very black and white at my department and in the courts. My god, if it ever got out the a friend of a friend contacted a prosecutor friend and we found out, they would be fired and probably indicted. No if, ans or buts.
Own up, go to court, pay it or plea to comm service and be done with it. Give yourself a few years for "maturity growth" (that's what we call it when people try to apply with my department and have a few minor bumps on their record). But this is not the end of the world. As long as you take responsibility, sack up and do not point fingers, you should be fine. Just learn from it.
By the way, no offense taken to the I Hate Cops statement. After 13 years, you become immune. Just realize that all the cops are doing is their job. Whether you like them to or not. If they did not, they would not be working for me or anyone else. It is all just a matter of perception. I would like to make a suggestion to all, see if your local police have a citizen's academy program. It gives great insight into the whys and what fors of the PD's. Some of our biggest critics became friends after attending. It was all just a matter of knowledge. Kind of like when we all didn't really know jack about flying, but as we learned we now know.....
For the record, I was cited for Minor in Posession when I was 16. Had to mow yards at my mom's elementary school that she worked at for 30 hours.... That way she made sure I did the work... Novel concept isn't it.... taking responsibility for one's mistakes..... And yes I drink (Guinness being my favorite). Also after 13 years in Law Enforcement, I have decided to leave to fly for a living making about 1/4th of what I am currently making if I am lucky.
You ever notice that most stories about bad cop experiences come from friends of friends who had a bad deal..... Not much first had knowledge... funny that....
You should be fine down the road, just learn and move on. But dude, in front of a bar, at least I was trying to hide at a lake with 30 other very loud lifeguards with two kegs and a stereo that probably could have been heard in say New Zealand.... We all have stories, and mostly we are the cause. We just don't like the punishment.. Human Nature I guess
Generally, the only time we do anything with a bar is if we are having problems there. DUI issues, fights, underage, drugs, gangs....etc.... We cite everyone involved, because we have to. And to be fare mistakes are made, but generally the good bars and clubs keep a very good watch on their own business and we generally don't get many problems. Most even work with us on this issue, because they know that it is to their benefit.
Do not under any circumstances try to contact the officer. If the officer did "fix" it and it is found out, he will get in major trouble and could possibly be fired. So don't do it, because they probably won't. We are very black and white at my department and in the courts. My god, if it ever got out the a friend of a friend contacted a prosecutor friend and we found out, they would be fired and probably indicted. No if, ans or buts.
Own up, go to court, pay it or plea to comm service and be done with it. Give yourself a few years for "maturity growth" (that's what we call it when people try to apply with my department and have a few minor bumps on their record). But this is not the end of the world. As long as you take responsibility, sack up and do not point fingers, you should be fine. Just learn from it.
By the way, no offense taken to the I Hate Cops statement. After 13 years, you become immune. Just realize that all the cops are doing is their job. Whether you like them to or not. If they did not, they would not be working for me or anyone else. It is all just a matter of perception. I would like to make a suggestion to all, see if your local police have a citizen's academy program. It gives great insight into the whys and what fors of the PD's. Some of our biggest critics became friends after attending. It was all just a matter of knowledge. Kind of like when we all didn't really know jack about flying, but as we learned we now know.....
For the record, I was cited for Minor in Posession when I was 16. Had to mow yards at my mom's elementary school that she worked at for 30 hours.... That way she made sure I did the work... Novel concept isn't it.... taking responsibility for one's mistakes..... And yes I drink (Guinness being my favorite). Also after 13 years in Law Enforcement, I have decided to leave to fly for a living making about 1/4th of what I am currently making if I am lucky.
You ever notice that most stories about bad cop experiences come from friends of friends who had a bad deal..... Not much first had knowledge... funny that....
You should be fine down the road, just learn and move on. But dude, in front of a bar, at least I was trying to hide at a lake with 30 other very loud lifeguards with two kegs and a stereo that probably could have been heard in say New Zealand.... We all have stories, and mostly we are the cause. We just don't like the punishment.. Human Nature I guess
