Asked 10/1/2016 – Pampa, TX

I received a MIP (alcohol) & passion of drug paraphernalia at 17. I was given a citation and went home. It’s my first offense. I want to know how and what actions can I take to have the Chargers dropped or enter a diversion program? Will it affect my career path to become a lawyer if charges aren’t dropped?

Answer

First, you do not drop charges, prosecutors do. The fact you wish to become an attorney has no bearing on whether you are guilty of the criminal charges pending against you. You have the right to trial, the right to force the State to prove the allegations against you beyond a reasonable doubt, and the right to cross-examine any witnesses against you. The court where your case is pending MAY have some type of program to keep these cases from becoming convictions without the necessity of a trial, but that depends on the specific court. You should probably speak with a local attorney before you do anything else.