Legal Question in Criminal Law in Kansas

Re: Minor in possession of alcoholic beverage

You are correct in assuming that a juvenile may not proceed in court w/o legal representation. As the county attorney in my area, if a minor so charged has no prior adjudications (convictions, if she were an adult)I usually offer what's called a diversion which, if w/in a certain period of time she had so further such charges/adjudications, the charge would not appear on her record if it stayed clean for 5 years. If I were you, I would contact the county attorney of origin and inquire as to how he/she intends to proceed. Prior to hiring counsel, I would make certain that your daughter was being absolutely truthful about the situtation, knowing the cost involved to obtain counsel. You should also know that law enforcement may not test a passenger in a vehicle. . .observing alcohol in their possession or on their breath is sufficient cause. You should also know that there may be a suspension of driver's license by the State Department of Vehicles, no matter what. . .local jurisdictions have no authority to alter this. Hope this has been helpful.