[saneus]

My question involves juvenile law in the State of: NY

My son was recently caught with alcohol in NYC, and was charged with underage consumption and open container in public. When he went to court, the judge gave him an adjournment slip (because he is 17) and asked that he return with a parent or guardian. However, the date for which the adjournment has been rescheduled is not one I can keep. Also, by the time the adjourned trial occurs, my son will be 18 years old. The two boys he was with at the time (ages 18 and 19) got the open container charge overturned and received negligible fines for the underage consumption charge. My question is, if my son will be 18 by the date of the adjourned trial, does the adjournment slip still legally bind me or another parent/guardian to attend court with him? Or can he, like his two older friends, come on his own?

[cyjeff]

If a judge tells your son to bring a parent to court, I recommend you attend.

Regardless of whatever else you think is more important.

What could possibly be more important than your child!?

[saneus]

I've already dealt with the situation adequately on a domestic level. I would simply like to know if I am legally bound to attend this trial of which I, as the parent, am aware of.

A judge has requested your presence in court I would strongly urge you to abide by that request. Your domestic solution has nothing to do with the legal consequences

[Xena]

I've already dealt with the situation adequately on a domestic level. I would simply like to know if I am legally bound to attend this trial of which I, as the parent, am aware of.

Maybe this will help you decide to appear:

As a parent or legal guardian, you are LEGALLY responsible for anything your child does DURING his minority. Although he will be a legal adult by the time it goes to court, he was still a minor when the offense was committed- therefore you are legally responsible. Do you really want to risk what could happen if you do not appear?

[cyjeff]

Not to mention the message it sends to your child....

"Yes, I know you are going to court and are really scared. I know the judge wanted me to be there...

But, you see, I have these 3rd row seats for the Yankees and I just don't think I can make it.

Good luck. Oh, and you are grounded for a week."

Nice.

[aaron]

Maybe this will help you decide to appear:

As a parent or legal guardian, you are LEGALLY responsible for anything your child does DURING his minority. Although he will be a legal adult by the time it goes to court, he was still a minor when the offense was committed- therefore you are legally responsible. Do you really want to risk what could happen if you do not appear?

Legally responsible, in what sense?

[saneus]

I would appreciate it if the less helpful members of this forum were to keep their comments to themselves. Whether I'm going to a 3rd row Yankees game or whether I have commitments to keep so that I can feed my family makes no difference. And it's not something that is up for judgement by the members of this forum, who are ignorant of most of the circumstances surrounding my situation. It's also not up for your judgement whether or not my domestic solution is adequate. What the members of this forum CAN judge though (which is the reason i came here) is whether or not I am legally bound to appear at court, or if this is just the judge's "suggestion" (for lack of a better term).

A judge has requested your appearence that is safe assumption failure to do so could result in warrant or even severe consequences on your child. Once more whats more important your child or these other issues!? Seems your priorities are not in correct order. Call that what you will.