Underage Possession of Alcohol in New Jersey

[sheppard2991]

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

Me and seven of my friends were sitting around a bonfire with a thirty pack of beer. Unfortunately, four cops walk into the back yard and claim they received a call about a noise disturbance and that we were having a kegger. We had a few beers open but not in our hand and they charged all of us with possession and one of us got providing alcohol to minors. Anyway is there anyway I can get this charge dropped?? how will this effect job opportunities and applying to colleges? consequences?

[PTPD22]

four cops walk into the back yard and claim they received a call about a noise disturbance and that we were having a kegger.

Why do you say they "claim" they received a call? If they had not received a complaint, why would they be there? They were just aimlessly walking through people's backyards and by random chance stumbled onto your party?

Anyway, I don’t know about getting this charge “dropped.” But, if you have a previously clean record, your chances of being eligible for a diversion program are probably pretty good. I’m not familiar with NJ specific procedures but, it is possible that successful completion of a diversion program would allow you to have the conviction expunged sometime in the future. I would advise that you consult with an attorney familiar with the local policies and procedures.

As to how this will affect future job or college applications…well, unless expunged, a conviction will show up on a background check. Most people are not going to view an isolated MIP as the crime of the century. But, obviously, having any kind of criminal history is not as good as having none. Of course, the time to consider those consequences was before you decided to drink underage.