Legal Question in Criminal Law in Massachusetts

Minor in Possession of Alcohol

My 19 year old son was written up in Lowell MA for Minor in Possession of Alcohol. He was asked to watch someone's backpack for them while they went to retrieve something from their dorm room. The police thought something was suspicious and stopped and asked what was in the bag and my son said he didn't know. The bag was searched and beer and wine coolers were found. The owner of the bag returned after my son was written up but is willing to state that my son was just watching the bag for him and didn't know what was in it. Does my son need an attorney with him at the court clerks hearing scheduled later this month or can he just represent himself and tell his story? What are the penalties for this? Would he have a criminal record if convicted?

Thank-you


Asked on 9/29/06, 1:08 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
henry lebensbaum Law Offices of Henry Lebensbaum (978-749-3606)

Re: Minor in Possession of Alcohol

Yes your son needs an attorney.

The penalty is probably minimal. But an attorney can assist you in navigating through this, and getting, possibly, the true owner, to testify. There may be an incrimination problem for the true owner.

You can contact me at 978.749.3606.

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Answered on 9/29/06, 1:25 pm
Martha Kovner Law Offices of Martha J. Kovner

Re: Minor in Possession of Alcohol

I recommend to all of my clients that they should always have an attorney, who knows the criminal system, with them at all court proceedings. Minor in Possession is a minor misdeameanor and most likely can be resolved at the clerk's hearing level which would protect your son's record. If you would like to discuss the case with me further please feel free to contact me. Hope that this helps. Martha Kovner

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Answered on 9/29/06, 2:10 pm


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