While on a business trip in Hoollywood, Ca. I received a drinking in public ticket. I do not live in Hollwood. The officer told me that I wo...

Question

While on a business trip in Hoollywood, Ca. I received a drinking in public ticket.

I do not live in Hollwood. The officer told me that I would receive information in the mail on how to proceed if I did not want to go to court.

My court date is qucikly coming up and I have not received any info in the mail. Who do I contact to learn how to submit payment, etc.

If possible, I would like to avoid going to court since I do not live in the area.

This is my first offense. No open container was found.

Answer

You don't get to just submit payment, a court appearance is required. This is a criminal charge, not a traffic ticket. Since it is a misdemeanor, an attorney can appear on your behalf without you appearing, negotiate a 'plea deal' with the prosecutor and court, and the court will take your plea via signed and notarized paperwork. You and the attorney can be in communication by phone regarding the terms of the proposed deal. You will have to pay the attorney to appear, of course, unless you appear yourself. If serious about doing this, feel free to contact me.