Summons for possession of alcohol as a minor

[sparky79]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Massachusetts
My 17 year old daughter and her 18 year old boyfriend were in the wrong place at the wrong time. They stopped by a park to pick up a friend to go bowling and were caught up in a police action of underage drinking going on. They and the others were brought back to the police station where all of their information was collected. The police telephoned the parents to pick up their youth. When the officer brought my daughter out, he told us that she would be receiving a summons in the mail for possession of alcohol as a minor and potentially trespassing, and that she would need to appear in court. He told us that juvenile court was held on Tuesdays. I truly don't believe that either of them were drinking and they should have left immediately when they realized what was going on. They tell me they were there less than 5 minutes when the police arrived.

Could someone tell me what the process is from here? What will happen at court? Is she still a juvenile at 17? Is the boyfriend not a juvenile at 18? Should I hire an attorney?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[Ohiogal]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Massachusetts
My 17 year old daughter and her 18 year old boyfriend were in the wrong place at the wrong time. They stopped by a park to pick up a friend to go bowling and were caught up in a police action of underage drinking going on. They and the others were brought back to the police station where all of their information was collected. The police telephoned the parents to pick up their youth. When the officer brought my daughter out, he told us that she would be receiving a summons in the mail for possession of alcohol as a minor and potentially trespassing, and that she would need to appear in court. He told us that juvenile court was held on Tuesdays. I truly don't believe that either of them were drinking and they should have left immediately when they realized what was going on. They tell me they were there less than 5 minutes when the police arrived.

In order to have an MIP (possession) they don't need to be drinking. Being present at a party with alcohol is enough. Apparently they had access to alcohol and should not have been in that situation.

Could someone tell me what the process is from here? What will happen at court? Is she still a juvenile at 17?

She is a juvenile.

Is the boyfriend not a juvenile at 18?

He is an adult but is also a Minor.

Should I hire an attorney?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

Your daught may qualify for a diversion program. You may want to have HER hire an attorney.

 

[d101010]

Did you receive the summons right after? How long did it take?

 

[BOR]

Did you receive the summons right after? How long did it take?

Why would that make a technical difference in the law??

 

[BOR]

Is the boyfriend not a juvenile at 18?

In every state a person can be charged as an adult at 18 if they commit a crime, even in the 1 or 2 states where the age of majority is 21.

Some states you can be charged as an adult at 17 or below, but only for major felonies, etc.