Hello,
I was recently cited for providing alcohol to minors, violation of
section 123.47   of the state code of Iowa. I was cited in Dubuque,
IA.
As far as I understand, there will be a minimum fine of $500 and
maximum 2 years in jail.

This was my first ever offence of any kind and I have no idea what to
do (besides going to court).
-My question, do you think I should hire a lawyer? 
(I am an international student and lawyers tend to be expensive, I think)
I want to pay the least amount of fine possible.
-Should I plead guilty and get it over with.

-Please provide me with information about seeking (affordable) legal advice.

I am very confused as to going about this issue.
Thanks
AT

Hello  baalho-ga,

I agree with the commentor on getting a court appointed attorney or
public defender, that is the cheapest route to go. Being that you are
a internation student, you may qualify quite easily. I would call the
office, explain your situation, and they can point you in the right
direction.

You can contact the Dubuque Public Defenders Office at
909 Main Street
Suite 555
Dubuque, IA 52001-6712
Chief: Paul Kaufman
Tel: (563) 582-0750
Fax: (563) 582-3576
http://www.spd.state.ia.us/locations.asp

Here is the rules for getting a court appointed attorney.
http://www.spd.state.ia.us/RulesStatutes/rules/49310.pdf

If this answer requires further explanation, please request
clarification before rating it, and I'll be happy to look into this
further.
Nenna-GA
Google Answers Researcher

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Clarification of Answer by nenna-ga on 13 Oct 2004 14:05 PDT

Google Search Used
Dubuque IA public defender
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=dubuque%20ia%20public%20defender&btnG=Google+Search

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Request for Answer Clarification by baalho-ga on 13 Oct 2004 21:45 PDT

Thanks neena for the information.
There are still few things though. I actually had contacted the Public
defender's offcie. The told me that is was a simple misdemeanor case
and that the judge might  think i dont need one.
Also, this will be on my criminal record right. How grave of a crime
have I commited? When I did my research, I found out that this was a
serious misdemeanor but the lady at the Public defender's office told
me that it was a simple misdemeanor.
Is there any way to not have this in my permanent record. This is my
first offence ever and I am very nervous.
Thanks in advance,

at

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Clarification of Answer by nenna-ga on 14 Oct 2004 08:26 PDT

Hello again,

Let's address the issue relating to your original question first. For
many misdemeanors, you do not need an attorney. Many people do go in
and just plead guilty and get it over with. However, you still have
the right to an attorney. If you feel you need one, and you meet the
court guidelines, you have the right to have one.

If you do not meet the guidelines however for a public defender, it is
up to you to find an attorney to represent you.

Secondly about the seriousness of the misdemeanor. I would go more
with what the Public Defenders Office tell you, being that they deal
with these cases on a regular basis. Also, my impression of the
offense is that it is, in Iowa, a simple misdemeanor as well. (I grew
up about an hour and 1/2 from Dubuque.)

As far as not having this charge on your permanant record, that would
be something best discussed with a lawyer or judge, being that it may
depend on the details of your case.

I do understand your nervousness. However, I can tell you this...in
the grand scheme of things, this is a smaller offense that many others
and I'm sure you'll come through relativly unscathed.

Nenna-GA

Not a lawyer BUT 2cents ... or 1 cent

This is where your meranda right come in.

You have the right to remain silent........ ETC...... You have the
right to an attorney if in the event you cannot afford an attorney one
will be presented to you.

You will have to request this ... Tell them you cannot afford an
attorney and you will have to fill out some paperwork and then you
will have one appointed. Will this do any good? I cannot say that it
will but it has to be better than going in alone. Because this is a
first offense and the type of offense it is I would Guess there is a
99.9 chance you will not get any jail time but a defender could help
this.

Thanks
Steve

Thanks for your 2 cents Steve.
I want not sure if it was a good idea of hiring a lawyer. And I dont
think i can afford one for my self. I did go down to the court house
to get a form for requesting a lawyer.

If I dont want any thing on my record, I have to plead innocent right?
at

Correct.  If you plead innocent, then you will go to trial for the
offence, and a jury will decide your guilt.  You will need a lawyer to
help you with all the ins-and-outs.  It is possible that your charge
may be reduced or dropped alltogether.

I would also talk to your univeristy or college; often they have legal
aid available for students.