Possession Of Alcohol by a Minor (MIP) - No Contact with Alcohol Whatsoever

**snazrob** · 01-09-2009, 03:47 PM

My question involves criminal law for the state of: connecticut

Hey all, Im in a serious bind here. Let me set the scene. In my local grocery store, I went with some buddies to the store where they were going to steal beer. I went into the store, but only went to the bathroom and BOUGHT a soda. I have the receipt for the soda. They were caught trying to take it out, but it never left the store. All of them, and I were brought into the security office. we were not arrested, but we were brought to the police station to be picked up by parents. as i am leaving, i find that we are being pinned with a Possesion of alcohol by a minor. there is video of my friends attempting to steal it, but I am nowhere in site, and I never even touched the alcohol. I have a ticket written for mip and a fine of 136 dollars. aswell, I will lose my liscense for 150 days. What are my chances of winning this if i go to court and plead innocent?

**aaron** · 01-09-2009, 03:55 PM

How old are you? Is this in juvenile court, or adult court?

**snazrob** · 01-09-2009, 04:03 PM

I am 16, and i believe that this is juvenile court, but I am not sure. All the officer said was, if i wanted to fight it, i could go to court. I have to pay the ticket by january 23. I honestly have no idea how to get started in court. My parents are super disappointed in me and are providing no support. Aswell, when would i go to court. I assume that it is sometime between now and the 23rd

**cyjeff** · 01-09-2009, 05:44 PM

Did you have prior knowledge that the boys you walked into the store with were going to steal the beer?

Did you have plans with them to drink the stolen beer after the theft was completed?

**cdwjava** · 01-09-2009, 07:19 PM

Quoting cyjeff

Did you have prior knowledge that the boys you walked into the store with were going to steal the beer?

Did you have plans with them to drink the stolen beer after the theft was completed?

It would be a rare teen that was not aware of the plan ... but, maybe his attorney can raise sufficient reasonable doubt in the matter.

On the other hand, if he agrees to a plea and dimes off his friends ...

- Carl

**cyjeff** · 01-09-2009, 07:52 PM

Quoting cdwjava

It would be a rare teen that was not aware of the plan ... but, maybe his attorney can raise sufficient reasonable doubt in the matter.

On the other hand, if he agrees to a plea and dimes off his friends ...

- Carl

And assuming that his friends don't roll over on him first.