Legal Question in Criminal Law in Illinois

juvenile accused of hosting underage drinking party

my 17 yr old son had about 15 friends over while both parents were out of town - none of them brought liquor to the house, but word got out and many more people came over, with liquor and my son did not know how to deal with it - the neighbour called the police - he is being charged with hosting a underage drinking party and his father with not taking precautions to prevent that. The police confiscated a box of liquor that we had in a storage room in our basement, as well as money that my son had in his pocket - that we had given him prior to us leaving that morning and his own money- about $210 total. They have not given us a list of what they took, nor will they give us a police report - should we assume that what they took is gone for good? we are due in court January 5. What should we expect? Is it against the law to leave a 17 yr. old alone? What are our rights? We plan to plead guilty - what should we expect?


Asked on 12/02/03, 11:11 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Mary McDonagh McDonagh-Faherty Law Offices

Re: juvenile accused of hosting underage drinking party

You have a right to first find out what the evidence against you is. Why plead guilty when you do not even have that information yet? I suggest you have a lawyer represent you so that your rights are protected. It is still a crime that is on your record if you plead guilty. This affects your future especially with regards job applications, etc. Take it a little slower and ascertain correctly what your options are.

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Answered on 12/02/03, 12:31 pm
Michael Rosenblat Michael C. Rosenblat., P.C.

Re: juvenile accused of hosting underage drinking party

I think that Ms. McDonagh is correct. You should hire an attorney to represent you and your son. You do not want your son to have a conviction on his record when he is applying for jobs and or school.

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Answered on 12/02/03, 2:28 pm


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