So I'm in college, it's a Saturday, there are parties... I don't drink, but if I were to go to a party where there was alcohol and the cops came, could I still get in legal trouble just for being there? I feel like I've heard that somewhere. I tried to look it up online but didn't know what kind of keywords to search.
2006-09-16 19:15:55 · 17 answers · asked by conste11ations 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
They're upperclassmen parties, but tons of freshmen go because they're stupid. I just kind of wanted to go out of curiosity, but I don't want to get myself in trouble.
2006-09-16 19:22:21 · update #1
MIP - Minor in Possession
You can still be charged with this if you are at a party that is serving alcohol even if you aren't drinking.
2006-09-16 19:35:39 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm glad you asked this question... I've been looking for an opportunity to share what I know about this situation ever since my friend, Jim, faced exactly the same dilemma you've described.
He didn't know the consequences of his decision either, but he decided to go to a party where there was plenty of drinking going on. In order to keep himself from falling into harms way, Jim was steadfast to avoid drinking at all costs.
At first everything was just fine. He fit right in, he danced, chatted, flirted with the girls and was generally thought of as being a regular guy - he remained firm in his avoidance of drink and nobody seemed to mind, in fact he had a sort of growing popularity in the group and some support for his decision to stay "dry" as he put it.
The party was a barn-burner, it went on an on and lasted late into the night and extended through to the next day... nothing happened at all that would have hinted there was trouble on the horizon.
Jim stuck to his guns and remained with it, partying to beat the band and staying "dry" all the while. Three days later, however, the change started to take form. He wasn't quite as interested in chatting and dancing as he had been, he was often dizzy and beginning to show the effects of his misguided decision.
After a full week, Jim was in no shape at all to continue on with his folly but still he remained without drink... all the others were doing just fine - some better than their buddies since they were not only drinking but were high on alcohol as well.
To make a long story short... Jim finally died, and what a shame that was - it spoiled the party, that's certain.
So... that's it... I would advise you not to be like Jim. Dehydration can catch up with you after a few weeks of heavy partying... so drink, what ever you do.
There is another consideration here... The cops could come to a party where alcohol and minors are enjoying themselves in mixed company. F.Y.I. there is nothing they will do to the minors who are in obedience to the laws about alcohol use... they'll roust 'em and let 'em go... so if that's you, you're kool.
((( r u randy? )))
.
2006-09-16 19:59:07 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think the only trouble you could get in is if you were a witness to something, or trespassing (like if you don't know the owner/renter of the house). Really, if you think the cops are coming, then just book it out. Jump a fence or whatever, just leave, and quickly. It's not likely that you'll get in trouble for just being there. If you're thinking so hard about this, I'm not sure how many parties you actually go to...live a little, don't be a nerd about this kinda junk. It's college--live it up.
2006-09-16 19:21:45 · answer #3 · answered by susie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, you can get in trouble just for being on the property. It's called aiding or participating in a house of common nuisance or something. If a party gets crazy, leave before the cops show up. It's your best bet. Or don't go to parties with underage drinking. Don't they have upperclassmen only parties?
2006-09-16 19:18:48 · answer #4 · answered by Amy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From what I remember being told is guilt by association. This is how unfair the law works.If the people giving the party are under age and most of you are they'll take you in or possibly call your parents if you're under age if you tell them you're not drinking they may let you go. But believe me those type of cops are hard to find.Make sure there's a responsible adult in charge then you can be there with no problemo
2006-09-16 19:23:12 · answer #5 · answered by goldengirl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can get in trouble. It really has happened. Do you think the police test every partygoer? They just arrest everyone and if you demand to prove you're sober, they'll just charge you with other stuff. I'm not sure if they can actually take away your license if you weren't drinking. They can fine you, give you community service or even keep you in jail if think of something good to charge you with. You might as well drink because the cops will assume you are and if you say you're not, they'll punish you for making extra work for them.
2006-09-16 19:27:25 · answer #6 · answered by Kuji 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let's say you're with some friends strolling through a neighborhood, just kicking it. They burglarize some houses along the way, but you're just walking along with them, not taking part in the burglaries. Are you involved? You bet you are. And you're just as involved at a party where people are breaking the law while you stand by not taking part. You're guilty by association.
2006-09-16 19:31:07 · answer #7 · answered by maynerdswife 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The cops have the discretion of charging you too Just try proving you weren't drinking.
hint they always smell alcohol.
2006-09-16 19:19:49 · answer #8 · answered by Robert F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You'll be picked up by the cops but if you pass the breathalyzer test they may let you go without charges. BUT if there are drugs there it doesn't matter if you were using or not. You can be charged.
2006-09-16 19:18:10 · answer #9 · answered by Sara 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
yes u could because my moms a cop and she says they do arrest people for association so dont go to those kinds of parties unless u want to take that risk
2006-09-16 19:18:07 · answer #10 · answered by curious 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋