Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in New York
Underage drinking party
My son asked to have a party at our house in which alchohol was going to be present. My wife and I agreed so long as every one gave up thier car keys.My neighbor camplained and the police showed up.I let him in and he proceeded to ask the kids if they were drinking. My question is did he have the right to do this and give my wife and I an appearance ticket. The kids involved never left the confines of the house and all were taken safely home.The party was confined to the basement and the only driving was parents dropping thier kids off or later picking them up.None of the parents filed a complaint.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Underage drinking party
You had the right to refuse the officer entry to the house, once you consented to his entrance he had the right to ask questions of those present. They had a right not to answer him but were under no obligation to remain silent. Unfortunately, from your description, everything that the police officer did was legal.
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