hi, i am 21. i had 3 friends w/ me in my car today when i ran up to the liquor store to purchase items for myself. After leaving, i got pulled over and was told by the police that i will get either a fine or misdemeanor in the mail because my friends were with me in the car when i purchased and traveled with the alcohol. is this legally correct?
2007-03-09 15:19:43 · 9 answers · asked by solobikeco 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
hi, i am 21. i had 3 friends w/ me in my car today when i ran up to the liquor store to purchase items for myself. After leaving, i got pulled over and was told by the police that i will get either a fine or misdemeanor in the mail because my friends were with me in the car when i purchased and traveled with the alcohol. is this legally correct?
edit: live in pennsylvania
2007-03-09 16:08:57 · update #1
It's like the first answer. The alcohol laws vary from state to state, and even from city to city.
Just had to add this after seeing some of the other answers: I'm in Mississippi, and this incident would not be illegal at all as long as the alcohol was all unopened. You can even take your kids into the liquour store with you here. As long as you don't give them alcohol, there's no crime.
2007-03-09 15:31:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not familiar with the laws of your state but I can comment of a few issues.
If you left the three friends in your car, went in and made a purchase of liquor, which was placed in a bag and never opened at anytime in the car I can't imagine an officer charging you. If the liquor was handed over to them, opened, consumed, taken out of the bag by the minors or some overt action like that then in many states yes. It is never a good idea to purchase alcohol around minors in many cases as it can be a bad influence.
Also I am concerned that the officer said you will received a fine or misd in the mail. If the officer observed a crime most of the time he must take action and cite you then and there.
I would consult with an attorney but I don't believe that this sounds right. Good luck!!
2007-03-09 17:11:01 · answer #2 · answered by flafuncop 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like that cop was a real asshole. If what he told you was correct he would have given you a citation. When cops feel like being assholes they don't hesitate to write citations so if this could have he would have. I don't really see what you did wrong as long as the containers were still sealed and still in the bag. If you do get something in the mail plead your case with the judge. Say something like you were taking your friends home and you wanted alcohol. You didn't realize what time it was 'till you got in the car. It was close to the time that the store stops selling alcohol so you had to stop there first. Like I said before as long as the alcohol was sealed you should be fine.
2007-03-09 15:37:51 · answer #3 · answered by castaspella0183 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
What state do you live in? You need to look at your citation and then look up the citation of law.
If you live in the state of WA and you were cited under RCW 66.44.270(2)(a) I would think the officers have enough of a case to take to a judge. They are going to say that the minors acquired the alcohol by being with you and that the intent is shown by you taking them to the liquor store with you.
2007-03-09 15:55:53 · answer #4 · answered by anonymouse 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I only know Arizona law. There it is legal to have alcohol in your car as long as it is still sealed. If your friends were holding the alcohol that would be different. Next time throw it in the trunk that is what I do.
2007-03-09 15:45:55 · answer #5 · answered by Pooky Bear the Sensitive 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes maam. I worked at a store that sold alcohal, and if ANYONE was with you, even a little sister, who wasnt 21, I could not sell it to you. You say it was for yourself, but was it ONLY for you, or your 20 year old friends also? Either way, its illegal!
2007-03-09 15:34:25 · answer #6 · answered by Bl3ss3dw1thL1f3 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well not sure but really am sort of asking along with you.......Never knew of this rule / regulation.....so if for instance I was with my children and bought some alcohol where would that leave the adults...............
Surely in the whole of the USA it is not wrote that you can not have any booze in your car on the way home for the supermarket with your own children in the car...................
Just curious to be honest?
2007-03-09 15:38:25 · answer #7 · answered by candy g 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, because you didn't mention it, I have to assume the 3 friends weren't drinking age so the officer is going to charge you. It is as it should be.
2007-03-09 16:32:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
How could anyone possibly tell you without knowing where you live? Do you think Yahoo Answers is based in your back yard?
2007-03-09 15:28:06 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋