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What is the penalty and record for an open container violation on a Chicago Transit Authority platform?
Anonymous5 views4 answers
In June 2007 I was ticketed for an open container violation (beer) on a Chicago Transit Authority platform on the way to a Cubs game. The Chicago cops told me it would be similar to a moving violation in which it would be taken off my record if I paid it quickly. I paid the fine and discarded my copy without any further thought (a mistake I know).
I recently had a job interview with a highly regarded marketing firm and received a followup call in which the potential employer mentioned the citation. What exactly is on my record for this offense? Is this something that will haunt me forever? Is it a regarded as a serious offense on my record? Thanks.
The citation is similar to a traffic ticket and will remain on your record until you attempt to expunge it.
How an employer views the citation, no one online can say. In my opinoin, a paid citation for having a beer leaving the Cubs game is no big deal.
Daniel G. GalivanCriminal Defense AttorneyClarendon Hills, IL ·
It certainly is not considered a serious offense under the law; it is considered a petty offense (punishable by fine only and not technically a "crime" under Illinois law). How an employer might view it one can only speculate. If questioned by a potential employer, I would be forthright about it; perhaps you didn't even know it was illegal at the time. I'm actually surprised they even found it, since you weren't fingerprinted. Contact an attorney who handles expungements to see if you can get it removed.
