Supplying Alcoholic Beverages to Minors (2C:33-17a) NJ

[mullen46]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NJ

I'm 20 years old and last night the police came to a party at my home. The party was winding down at the time and officers pretty much just carded everyone at the house to make sure they were over 18 (they were) and left me with a supplying alcoholic beverages to minors ticket. The thing is the party was BYOB so I did not supply anybody with anything (nor do I have the means to do so, being 20), the officers did not breathalyze anyone and there were more sober drivers left at the house than people drinking. The ticket comes with a mandatory court appearance and I plan on trying to get the ticket dropped/reduced as much as possible. What would be my best approach to the situation?

P.S- I obviously realize a lawyer is the smartest approach, but being a college I'm looking for the cheapest way out of this.

 

[CdwJava]

The police are under no obligation to breathalyze anyone. The charge does not require that anyone be drunk, only that you allowed them access to alcohol when they were under 21.

Notice this part of the section:

Anyone who purposely or knowingly offers or serves or makes available an alcoholic beverage to a person under the legal age for consuming alcoholic beverages or entices or encourages that person to drink an alcoholic beverage is a disorderly person.​

You knew about the alcohol - and, in fact, encouraged others to bring the alcohol. You appear to be guilty of the offense.

When you go to trial you do not have to admit anything, you merely let the state try to prove its case ... which, sorry to say, shouldn't be that hard.

I am not sure if this sort of offense in your state allows for a public defender or not, but if it i punishable by a fine only, it likely does not.