Park after hours

[maximus01701]

So i did a search and there have been some similar cases, but nothing exact; and because im kinda tense about the whole situation figured i would just ask.

Ok

So, tonight there was a meteor shower. and because my brother and I both live in the city it is hard to shoot some good photos w/ all the light pollution. So we decided to drive to a metro park well knowing it closed at 10:00Pm (it's about 12:30 now) to take better pics. But the gates where down so we had to park right in front of them which was a no parking zone. By the time we walked down to the lake and i set up my camera, we saw some flashing lights due to a metro park police officer. We walked backed to the car, camera in hand and the office didn't want to hear it, he didn't listen to a word we had to say. And he hit both my brother and I with a Misdemeanor and me a civil infraction (for parking even though i was not the driver of the vehicle).

So basically... i have NO idea what to do next....
We where not being reckless and stupid... All i wanted was some nice pics/video.

My brother is currently attending school (1 semester left) for criminal justice (he plans on doing something federal, FBI or CIA). and he is very nervous about what this can do to his career (due to the EXTENSIVE background check).

I am 20 and my brother is 22.

So basically... i have NO idea what to do next....
We where not being reckless and stupid... All i wanted was some nice pics/video.

 

[raskalnikov]

err . . . you both knowingly committed an illegal act. Even if the reasons are "good."

As first offenses, etc., I'd recommend still getting a criminal defense attorney immediately. Hopefully it can all be reduced to civil infractions.

 

[maximus01701]

Any other suggestions...

Ive read that 90% of misdemeanors tend to be "park after hours" related... (but that's the good o' internet).

If that's the case do they usually lessen the offense down to a civil infraction.. or do they usually through the book at you?

and due to the research I've done. I'm leaning towards pleading not guilty, and then having a jury decided. (what ever you call that).

Do you think those are steps in the right direction or what..

-Thanks.

(any advice is welcome!)