New Jersey Criminal Defense Blog

On May 4, 2009 the New Jersey Senate Law, Public Safety and Veteran’s Affairs Committee approved a bill that grants immunity to any individual under the age of 21 who has been drinking if that person contacts the police because he or she fears that another underage drinker has consumed too much alcohol and is in need of medical help. The bill still needs to be considered and approved by the full Senate before it becomes law. Obviously, the purpose of this law is to encourage underage persons to call for help if they fear a friend has consumed too much alcohol and may be in danger. By granting immunity to the underage drinker who calls for help, we can try to encourage calls to the police or to 911 when medical attention is required.

Too often, high school or college students are afraid to call for help because they themselves have been drinking. They fear that when the authorities arrive, they will be charged with the crime of underage drinking or underage possession of alcohol. These charges in New Jersey are punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000.00 fine or both. In addition, almost all New Jersey high schools and almost all New Jersey Universities including Princeton University, Rider University, Rutgers University, The College of New Jersey, and Monmouth University will take disciplinary action against their students if they are charged with either underage drinking or underage possession of alcohol. Some high schools and Universities will take disciplinary action even before the charges are adjudicated in court. Also, high school and college students fear that a criminal record will impact their future academic and career prospects.

As this law currently reads, the underage caller must do more than simply dial 911. He must also provide his name and cooperate with medical and law enforcement personnel at the scene. If you or a child of yours has been charged with underage drinking or underage possession of alcohol, please contact an attorney at the Princeton, New Jersey criminal defense law firm of Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. for a free consultation regarding your rights or your child’s rights. Often, there is a lot that can be done to reduce an underage drinker’s exposure to a criminal record. Contact an experienced New Jersey juvenile crimes attorney at the Princeton office of Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. today. We at the law firm of Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. have represented many juvenile and underage individuals who have been charged with alcohol related or drug related crimes in New Jersey. Let our experience and compassion go to work to help you or your child navigate the legal system in New Jersey.