Like the header says, I've worked at a liquor store for nearly three years. I've always been a stickler for identifying anyone who even remotely might be underaged, and this has resulted in a few funny moments, as some were undoubtedly complimented that I'd ask for their ID. Anyway, a couple of weeks ago, some guy came in just as I was ready to close up for the night. He bought cream sherry (of all things) and he went to the counter. I guess I was in a hurry. He looked familar to me, and looked my age, give or take a year (I'm 27). Rather than ask for his ID, I just asked him how old he was. He said 22, and I sold it to him. Upon locking up, I was approached by a man who said he was a detective and I'd just sold to a 19 year old. Needless to say, I was scared. I got a ticket, the cops were understanding. I have to be in court next month. This is my first offense of any kind. Does anyone have any advice? Should I get a lawyer? I live in New York.
2006-11-01 13:53:13 · 8 answers · asked by jaxrox79 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
I would certainly get some legal help - and I would also try to make sure the 19 year old is brought into court if you maintain he looks 22-27.
Demand that he attends court in the same clothes he was wearng on the night in question. Obviously if you have CCTV footage to prove that he looked old enough, you should make your lawyer aware of this too.
I am not sure about the US - but in the UK, the courts will not be too unjust if the person clearly looks above the legal age - especially if they were dressed in such a way to further suggest they were clearly "of age".
2006-11-01 14:01:13 · answer #1 · answered by Mark T 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can you call around to other liquor stores, or talk to your boss, and ask them if they've ever been through it? Maybe get some advice that way. Is it a crime that could require jail time or just a fine? If jail is a possibility, I'd definitely see a lawyer.
How does the detective KNOW you sold to a 19 year old? Maybe he's just making it up (unlikely), but maybe a lawyer would make them prove it and if they couldn't, you'd get off.
Good luck to you.
2006-11-01 13:57:33 · answer #2 · answered by PT C 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Okay i am a tx officer and i handled a few what we call here tabc cases so i try and help but ny maybe different always is on somethings. Okay first of all always have the right to a lawyer and at any case of going to court i say get one . Now your looking at since this is your first offseive a class c or b mistomeor. about a 500-1000 dollar fine and possibley losing you liquor licences for a while.
2006-11-01 13:59:32 · answer #3 · answered by cwa 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why isn't the liquor store paying for your defense - the liquor store owner is really the one who should go to court rather than leaving you with the load on your back.
Given that this is NY law and you received a citation - you may need a lawyer - get your boss to pay for it because you are a representative of his establishment. The town could go after his license to operate a liquor establishment - especially if your boss' establishment has sold alcohol to underaged persons before.
I would quit and offer the prosecutor any help in nabbing your boss for selling to underaged people if your boss does not pay for or provide legal representation.
2006-11-01 14:20:07 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
get a lawyer - it's always foolish to defend yourself - but above all, be honest. the courts hate dishonesty and bending of the truth - and they won't be easy on you if you are found to be doing that. You screwed up, but they won't take it to the full extent if you are real about it.
2006-11-01 13:58:18 · answer #5 · answered by Stella Bing 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
the texas officer is right on target with what happens in texas (i handle the fine/court cost collection in my office), it will be expensive.
definately research the liquor laws in your area to find out what you are looking at sentence-wise.
2006-11-01 16:12:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a lawyer!
2006-11-01 14:25:45 · answer #7 · answered by Ceci 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you were wrong, admit your mistake and take your punishment, and vow not to let it happen again. This is all you can do.
2006-11-01 22:56:31 · answer #8 · answered by WC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋