Legal Question in Criminal Law in Massachusetts

Minor In Possession of Alcohol

A few weeks ago, my boyfriend who is 21 years old went to the liquor store and my friend and I waited in the car. We are both 20 years old. I was in the passenger seat, and she was in the back seat behind the passenger seat. He had called me briefly while in the store, raising suspicion of an undercover sting operation. When he brought the alcohol back to the car, he put it on the floor of the back behind the driver's side. A bunch of cops came over, asking for our license's etc... He told us (the 20 year olds) that we were now in possession of the alcohol and could be arrested, and that my boyfriend could be arrested for distribution to a minor. My friend just got a court summons today, but neither I or my boyfriend have gotten ours. I'm sure it's on it's way. It is a first time offense for me and I'm wondering what kind of penalties I could possibly be facing, and if it could be on my record for the rest of my life.

Please help, thank you.


Asked on 5/24/09, 12:58 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Gregory Casale Gregory Casale Attorney At Law

Re: Minor In Possession of Alcohol

It will be on your record for the rest of your life if you are summonsed to court and arraigned on the charge. Chances are that the penalty will not be bad. Probably a fine and maybe probation, but it will be there on your record for life. Hire a good criminal defense attorney. He may be able to get it reduced to a civil issue (non-criminal) or have it dismissed before arraignment (no record). Its a minor offense and expensive to hire an attorney, but the money you save by not hiring an attorney will be long forgotten while the record will be with you for life if you dont do everything you can now.

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Answered on 5/24/09, 12:44 pm


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