Do I Need a Lawyer for a Minor in Possession of Alcohol Charge in Connecticut?

Getting charged with minor in possession of alcohol as a teenager in Connecticut can be scary. You may be wondering if you need to hire a lawyer or if you can handle the case yourself. Here’s what you need to know about minor in possession charges in CT, and whether getting a lawyer is worth it.

What is Minor in Possession in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, it’s illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to possess, purchase, or attempt to purchase alcohol. This includes being caught with an open container of alcohol in public or trying to use a fake ID to buy liquor. There are a few different laws that prohibit minors from having alcohol:

• CT General Statutes § 30-89 – prohibits possession of alcohol by a minor anywhere “on any public street or highway or in any public place”
• CT General Statutes § 30-86 – prohibits misrepresenting your age to obtain alcohol
• CT General Statutes § 30-87 – prohibits inducing a minor to illegally obtain alcohol

Violating any of these laws can result in fines, license suspension, and even potential jail time in some cases. The specifics penalties depend on your age, number of offenses, and the exact circumstances.

What are the Penalties for Minor in Possession in Connecticut?

For a first offense minor in possession charge under CT General Statutes § 30-89, the penalties are:

• Up to 60 day driver’s license suspension
• $200 – $500 fine

If you’re under 16, the fines and license suspension may be increased. For a second offense, the fines go up to $500 – $1000 and license suspension is for 120 days. A third offense can result in fines up to $1000 and 6 month license suspension.

Trying to use a fake ID or lying about your age to obtain alcohol under CT General Statutes § 30-86 can result in fines from $200 – $500 and license suspension for 150 days – 1 year. Subsequent offenses can lead to fines up to $1000 and 2 year license suspension.

Inducing a minor to obtain alcohol illegally under CT General Statutes § 30-87 is a more serious charge. For a first offense, this can be charged as a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $2000 fine. Subsequent offenses can be charged as a Class D felony with penalties up to 5 years in prison and a $5000 fine.

Should I Get a Lawyer for Minor in Possession of Alcohol?

Given the potential penalties, it’s usually a good idea to have a lawyer represent you if you’re facing minor in possession charges. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help in several ways:

• Negotiate a plea deal to reduce the penalties – Many cases can be resolved through a plea bargain to lesser charges and fines.
• Get charges dismissed – In some cases, a lawyer may be able to get charges dropped due to lack of evidence or procedural errors.
• Avoid license suspension – An attorney may be able to plea bargain to avoid driver’s license suspension, which can be a huge burden.
• Advocate for you in court – Having a lawyer speak on your behalf often leads to better outcomes vs. representing yourself.

Hiring a lawyer does cost money, but it’s often worth it to avoid maximum penalties. Many lawyers offer free consultations, so you can discuss your case specifics before deciding to hire them.

What are Some Common Defenses for Minor in Possession?

There are a few common legal defenses that a lawyer may use to fight minor in possession charges in Connecticut:

• Lack of proof – The prosecution has the burden of proving you possessed alcohol. If they can’t prove it beyond a reasonable doubt, the charges can get dismissed.
• Misidentification – Mistaken identity is a common defense if the police identified and charged the wrong person.
• Entrapment – This argues you were illegally induced to commit the offense by police persuasion.
• Improper police conduct – This claims your rights were violated through illegal searches, lack of Miranda warning, etc.

An experienced lawyer will evaluate the facts of your case to determine the best defense strategy. Having legal counsel can greatly help your chances of avoiding conviction.

What if I Can’t Afford a Lawyer?

If you can’t afford a private defense attorney, you may qualify for a public defender to represent you for free. This is based on your financial situation and income level. Public defenders are experienced criminal lawyers who can fully represent you just like a hired attorney.

To apply for a public defender, request one at your first court appearance. The judge will have you fill out an application to confirm you’re eligible based on need. If approved, an attorney will be appointed to your case.

Should I Just Plead Guilty and Pay the Fine?

Some people charged with minor in possession figure they’ll just plead guilty, pay the fine, and move on. This seems like the easiest option, but it has consequences:

• You’ll have a criminal record for life
• It can impact college applications and financial aid
• Future job background checks will show the conviction
• License suspension can severely limit your transportation

Rather than rushing to plead guilty, it’s wise to consult an attorney to explore options that won’t lead to a conviction. An experienced lawyer may get the charges reduced or dismissed while avoiding the collateral consequences.

Finding the Right Lawyer for Your Case

If you or your child is facing minor in possession charges in Connecticut, don’t go it alone. Consult with some criminal defense lawyers to find one you’re comfortable with. Look for these important qualities:

• Experience specifically handling minor in possession cases in CT
• Knowledge of local courts, judges, and prosecutors
• Willingness to fight the charges and pursue the best outcome
• Strong record of positive case results
• Affordable rates and payment plans

Take time to research lawyers’ backgrounds and consult with a few before deciding who to hire. The right attorney can make all the difference in avoiding serious penalties for a minor in possession offense.

Dealing with criminal charges as a teenager can be overwhelming. But having an experienced lawyer guide you through the process can give you the best chance to move forward while avoiding long-term consequences. So don’t go it alone – make the wise investment in protecting your future by hiring a lawyer you trust.