Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

procuring alcohol for minors

My 21 year old son and his 20 year old roommate went to the grocery store by their University. My son bought substantial alcohol for a party he and his other 21 year old roommate would be throwing later that night. He paid for the alcohol with his credit card. His roommate and another 20 year old friend purchased groceries at a different register and paid separately, and left the store with my son. The younger boys placed their groceries on top on the cart my son was pushing. They placed all their groceries in the trunk of my son's car, and the police cited the boys for MIP and my son for procurement. No alcohol was opened, my son had proof of his age. What is the deal with this? If I had been the person coming out of the store, I do not believe this would have happened. My son has to appear in Superior Court. Is there any merit to this?


Asked on 9/10/07, 10:14 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: procuring alcohol for minors

Merit? Well, he has defenses that can be raised, so get an attorney and do so. Feel free to contact me if this is in SoCal.

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Answered on 9/11/07, 12:31 pm
Michael Meyer Law Ofc. Of Michael J. Meyer

Re: procuring alcohol for minors

The case sounds quite dubious. Almost too dubious. Parents sometimes get "sanitized" versions of the facts (alas, so do attorneys, initially).

Nevertheless, your son should have an attorney accompany him to his court appearance. Prosecutors love to use the inherent intimidation of the courtroom to sucker the unsuspecting defendants into taking a plea bargain that is not in their best interest.

Wherever you are, find someone local. If you don't know anyone, post your location here or call your County's bar association for a referral.

Good luck.

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Answered on 9/10/07, 11:15 pm
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Re: procuring alcohol for minors

I agree completely with attorney Meyer - except to say that both cops and criminal defendants can shade the facts. Please help your son hire a private attorney in your locality and do not abandon him to the public defender. In today's era of background checks, it may make the difference in whether he can get work, ever.

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Answered on 9/10/07, 11:59 pm


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