Unlawful Internal Posession of Alcohol, Underage

My question involves criminal law for the state of: New Hampshire

I went to a party at UNH where I consumed to much alcohol. Following that I went to a hospital, where a police officer was waiting for me when it was time to be discharged. He took me into protective custody until I sobered up and served me with a violation for the unlawful internal posession of alcohol. All I have is a pink form with a court date. What does this mean? What are the consequences of a guilty plea? Also, did the hospital violate HIPPA by revealing elements of my medical condition to the police?


Thank you very much in advance.

It means you have to go to court at a particular date and time, to answer the charge of unlawful possession of alcohol. If you plead guilty, you will be convicted of the charge.

A person under the age of 21 is guilty of a violation for unlawful internal possession if he is intoxicated (any amount of alcohol in system) due to consumption of an alcoholic beverage. There is a $250 minimum fine for the first offense and $500 minimum fine for subsequent offenses, with possible additional penalties including a driver's license suspension even if the violation does not occur while operating a vehicle.

I don't know how the police got information on your alcohol consumption - from an officer who responded to the scene, from the emergency technicians, from the hospital... or whether they got it with or without a warrant. But keep in mind, you would be raising (if possible) the claim that they engaged in an improper search and seizure, as a HIPAA violation does not create a private cause of action nor does it provide a basis for exclusion of something from evidence.

If you are underage, and arrested, for unlawful possession, would it be wise to retain a lawyer, to represent you at the arraignment? My daughter was arrested, and the officer was downplaying the incident as nothing more than a traffic ticket. I think otherwise, as this being on a permenant record could affect her down the road. Should she just pay the fine? Or retain legal services?