Three New Jersey residents received multiple drug and alcohol charges after police performed a traffic stop for an equipment violation. One 18-year-old individual was charged with underage drinking, among other charges, while the other two individuals, ages 18 and 19, were charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.
According to the report, the police officer smelled marijuana and saw one of the individuals within the vehicle attempt to hide a bottle of alcohol. The other two individuals were allegedly found with drug paraphernalia in their possession. All three individuals were released and are awaiting their court appearances.
Individuals who are convicted for charges that involve underage drinking may face an uncertain future. In some cases, those with a criminal record may not be able to get into a university and may be unable to secure employment. Depending on the crime, some juveniles may even be charged as adults, resulting in harsher penalties.
Children and teenagers may not understand all of the repercussions for their actions. An experienced New Jersey attorney may be able to evaluate the charges and explain them to their young client. They may be able to advise their client on the best course of action and whether or not the particular case is subject to waiver, which would allow the court to try the juvenile as an adult. Otherwise, the attorney may be able to have their client enter alcohol education programs in order to reduce the penalties.
In some cases, the attorney may be able to challenge the evidence against their client to have the charges reduced or dismissed. The attorney may challenge the traffic stop if there was no probable cause or challenge any toxicology reports if they were not properly administered.