What is the name of your state? South Carolina
So a few weeks ago the place got called to my house for noise and my girlfriend and 2 of our friends were both drinking. (all three of them are 20) I was the only one over 21 so they gave me a ticket for Contributing to a minor. The ticket was a fine with a charge of $672.50.
The ticket says Violation Section # 61-4-90 So I decided to do some research about this law and see if I stood a chance getting out of it since I wasn't drinking myself nor did I 'allow' them to drink. After doing some research I got interested that the law actually says the fine should be no less then $200 and no more then $300. Now how was i fined 672.50$? Could it be because there was 3 people involved, but wouldn't that be three seperate tickets/laws broken? Anyway here is a link to the section #. http://www.scstatehouse.net/code/t61c004.htm
SECTION 61-4-90. Transfer of beer or wine for underage person's consumption.
(A) It is unlawful for a person to transfer or give to a person under the age of twenty-one years for the purpose of consumption of beer or wine in the State, unless the person under the age of twenty-one is recruited and authorized by a law enforcement agency to test a person's compliance with laws relating to the unlawful transfer or sale of beer and wine to a minor. A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction:
(1) for a first offense, must be fined not less than two hundred dollars nor more than three hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both; and
(2) for a second or subsequent offense, must be fined not less than four hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both.
(B) A person found guilty of a violation of Section 61-6-4070 and this section may not be sentenced under both sections for the same offense.
(C) The provisions of this section do not apply to a:
(1) spouse over the age of twenty-one giving beer or wine to his spouse under the age of twenty-one in their home;
(2) parent or guardian over the age of twenty-one giving beer or wine to his children or wards under the age of twenty-one in their home; or
(3) person giving beer or wine to another person under the age of twenty-one in conjunction with a religious ceremony or purpose if the beer or wine was lawfully purchased.
Also how can they prove i did not give it to them for religious purposes? If I go to the court date is there any chance of getting the fined lowered?
So a few weeks ago the place got called to my house for noise and my girlfriend and 2 of our friends were both drinking. (all three of them are 20) I was the only one over 21 so they gave me a ticket for Contributing to a minor. The ticket was a fine with a charge of $672.50.
The ticket says Violation Section # 61-4-90 So I decided to do some research about this law and see if I stood a chance getting out of it since I wasn't drinking myself nor did I 'allow' them to drink. After doing some research I got interested that the law actually says the fine should be no less then $200 and no more then $300. Now how was i fined 672.50$? Could it be because there was 3 people involved, but wouldn't that be three seperate tickets/laws broken? Anyway here is a link to the section #. http://www.scstatehouse.net/code/t61c004.htm
SECTION 61-4-90. Transfer of beer or wine for underage person's consumption.
(A) It is unlawful for a person to transfer or give to a person under the age of twenty-one years for the purpose of consumption of beer or wine in the State, unless the person under the age of twenty-one is recruited and authorized by a law enforcement agency to test a person's compliance with laws relating to the unlawful transfer or sale of beer and wine to a minor. A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction:
(1) for a first offense, must be fined not less than two hundred dollars nor more than three hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both; and
(2) for a second or subsequent offense, must be fined not less than four hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both.
(B) A person found guilty of a violation of Section 61-6-4070 and this section may not be sentenced under both sections for the same offense.
(C) The provisions of this section do not apply to a:
(1) spouse over the age of twenty-one giving beer or wine to his spouse under the age of twenty-one in their home;
(2) parent or guardian over the age of twenty-one giving beer or wine to his children or wards under the age of twenty-one in their home; or
(3) person giving beer or wine to another person under the age of twenty-one in conjunction with a religious ceremony or purpose if the beer or wine was lawfully purchased.
Also how can they prove i did not give it to them for religious purposes? If I go to the court date is there any chance of getting the fined lowered?