Thanks

You should be able to request a hearing on this matter. Particularly if you can convince the court that you really need time to prepare for this. The only possible issue I see is that it appears both of the offense your charged with are traffic infractions, NOT criminal offense.

For example, the open container law is listed below

http://law.onecle.com/new-york/vehicle-and-traffic/VAT01227_1227.html

Assuming your license was not suspended at the time of the ticket, that also would be in infraction.

Since your not facing jail time, your due process rights are not quite the same as if you were facing a criminal trial.

Still, the court can grant a continuance to allow you to prepare....and should if you can give good reason.


     
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Well, I do not have access to the law in 86...so it may have been a misdemeanor at the time. The current law is a traffic violation

AGAIN, I am assuming you were not driving on a suspended license...is that the case?