Purchase of Alcohol As a Minor
My question involves criminal law for the state of: PA
Recently, I drove my friend who was 21 and her three friends who were 21 to the liquor store. When we arrived at the store I gave her money and her and her friends went into the store and purchased alcohol. Upon returning to the car a group of undercover officers approached my vehicle and asked us to step out. After questioning us, they cited me for purchasing alcohol as a minor (I am 20) and they cited her for furnishing alcohol to a minor.
I plan on pleading not guilty since the alcohol was never physically given to me. The second she sat down in the car they asked us to get out.
My question is whether this is the correct route to go? They said that by giving her money in my car, that I had committed a transaction for the alcohol. However, I feel that there is no way to prove this since they are basing their accusations on the circumstantial evidence that I gave her the money FOR the alcohol and nothing else. As far as they are concerned, I could of lent her money, owed her money, etc...
Any advice would be greatly appreciated... thank you.
Re: Purchase of Alcohol As a Minor
Could have. Or could've.
If the officers saw you give your friend money outside the liquor store, they have probable cause.
"But I didn't give it to her for booze!" is not going to fly with the judge and will likely only make him mad. He's heard it before, he's not stupid.
Consult with an attorney to see if you have a first offenders program available to you - this will get you probation and might even keep this off your record.