thromback Posted September 8, 2007 Posted September 8, 2007 I go to college in South Carolina. I do not drink, and still never had. I'm 18. I was at a party, and the cops busted it. He made every person sit down and then line up to leave to get a ticket. I have a ticket for possession of alcohol, because I was in the same room as alcohol, even though I wasn't drunk and didn't drink any. The ticket is 240 dollars. I asked the officer for a sobriety test, and he refused to give me one. I heard from other people I will have to pay the ticket and pay for an AA meeting. I think this is insane because I honestly did nothing wrong at all.. Any help on this?
Tony T Posted September 8, 2007 Posted September 8, 2007 What you did wrong was be in the company of people who were breaking the law. You can either get a good attorney and fight the ticket or pay it and learn that it's much cheaper to leave the party than remain in the company of lawbreakers. It is illegal to observe illegal behavior and not report it. It's called obstruction of justice. Had your "buddies" been using cocaine and you not, you would now be behind bars with them...or out on bail on much more serious charges. Get the message? By the way, I think South Carolina is a very nice state.
woodsfield Posted September 8, 2007 Posted September 8, 2007 Had your "buddies" been using cocaine and you not, you would now be behind bars with them...or out on bail on much more serious charges. Get the message? By the way, I think South Carolina is a very nice state. you got that right! all 'cept the South Cackalaki, part.... dawgs are about to whoop the cocks tail (but it is still below the Mason Dixon Line;)). i guess you can liken it to a "speak easy", during prohibition right TT? in this case, you were all under age and hence all got a ticket. did you take a breathalyzer? if not, they have no proof that you were actually drinking. it would be your word against his (the cop). however, like TT said, you should probably get a lawyer to contest. you will surely win, but weigh the cost of the lawyer against the cost of the ticket. i don't think this will affect you future, so go for which ever is cheaper. in the mean time, get filthy stinken drunk or stay away from those parties;). when i was your age, i couldn't stand to be around a bunch of drunks, so i joined them.
Author thromback Posted September 9, 2007 Author Posted September 9, 2007 Honestly though.. Isn't possession like I was holding onto it, or it's mine. I'm thew president of the anti drug club in college. I never drank in my life, this is just so ****ed up that I have to pay it. He really can't prove it because 100 people are appealing tickets, so its his word vs 100 people.
underpants Posted September 9, 2007 Posted September 9, 2007 Honestly though.. Isn't possession like I was holding onto it, or it's mine. I'm thew president of the anti drug club in college. I never drank in my life, this is just so ****ed up that I have to pay it. He really can't prove it because 100 people are appealing tickets, so its his word vs 100 people. The cops are usually out in full force when college starts. It is all about setting an example of no tolerance and scaring new students to act right. It is actually a good thing and an attempt to keep everyone safe. No offense and I hear you. I am not sure how a ticket like that works. Do you have a court date? If so you can show up and argue you side. You fine might be reduced or waived. You can also as others have suggested consult an attorney (however, you might wind up paying more). I would be concerned how this would affect my permanent record. Anyway, welcome.
woodsfield Posted September 9, 2007 Posted September 9, 2007 Honestly though.. Isn't possession like I was holding onto it, or it's mine. I'm thew president of the anti drug club in college. I never drank in my life, this is just so ****ed up that I have to pay it. He really can't prove it because 100 people are appealing tickets, so its his word vs 100 people. damn the man! fight the power! i would like to think being president of this club would help, but what are you doing at these parties when you don't drink and your are "anti drug"? i don't think it would affect your perminant record but check with a lawyer. your school may have something that could help with legal advice...don't go into the court date empty handed. also ask the legal professional if you should go on a different date than the rest. may hurt, may help. i dunno...just talk to a lawyer. i only know the stuff i've done wrong in the legal system.
sb129 Posted September 9, 2007 Posted September 9, 2007 I got done for underage drinking when I was at university. I was guilty as charged- the drinking age at the time was 20 (its now 18), and I was 19 and in a pub. I got a police caution, a $100 fine, and as long as I didn't get busted again before I turned 20, my record would be cleared on my 20th birthday. My friend who got busted with me is now a lawyer, and it did nothing to damage her career. If you think you have a case, then fight back, but it could cost you more than $240. I think that being charged for being in the same room as alchohol is a little harsh, its not like you were in a bar or trying to buy it or anything.
Author thromback Posted September 12, 2007 Author Posted September 12, 2007 I don't care if people drink, its just not for me. I was there to be the designated driver. Possession infers that I am going to sell or use alcohol. Why would I sell alcohol if there were 6 kegs? Why would I drink it if I don't drink? Neither of those make sense, and there was no alcohol near me.
Citizen Erased Posted September 12, 2007 Posted September 12, 2007 Considering there are about 5 other countries with a legal age limit above 18, I find it amazing the US is still 21. Considering most teenagers start socially drinking from about the age of 16, there really is no point to 18. Look at all the slutty celebs in some of the best clubs in the world, all being served alcohol when they are still about 17. That says ALOT to normal people who are underage. I find it really hard to believe they would charge someone with possession of alcohol if they have none on their person nor without a breathalyser test. Im not saying you were drinking, it is just very excessive IMO.
sb129 Posted September 12, 2007 Posted September 12, 2007 Considering there are about 5 other countries with a legal age limit above 18, I find it amazing the US is still 21. Considering most teenagers start socially drinking from about the age of 16, there really is no point to 18. Look at all the slutty celebs in some of the best clubs in the world, all being served alcohol when they are still about 17. That says ALOT to normal people who are underage. I find it really hard to believe they would charge someone with possession of alcohol if they have none on their person nor without a breathalyser test. Im not saying you were drinking, it is just very excessive IMO. Exactly. Good luck Thromback. DC- are you a scientologist?
Citizen Erased Posted September 12, 2007 Posted September 12, 2007 Exactly. Good luck Thromback. DC- are you a scientologist? omg no just a Muse fan who believe in the New World Order conspiracy. Zetas is another name for Roswell aliens, or "little green men".
Art_Critic Posted September 12, 2007 Posted September 12, 2007 Considering there are about 5 other countries with a legal age limit above 18, I find it amazing the US is still 21. The US isn't still 21.. The US changed to age 21... somewhat recently ( in the last 22 or so years and more recently for some states ) 18 used to be the drinking age.. When I graduated from high school the drinking age was 18 here in Georgia.. When I turned 20 it turned to age 19 and when I turned 22 it turned to 21.. Do you think it is possible that the other 5 countries are behind the times ? What is interesting is that people talk about how destructive alcohol is when compared to pot ( I agree by the way ) but they want the age reduced.. they say how many lives alcohol destroys but they want the age lowered.. I personally am happy with it being 21..
Citizen Erased Posted September 12, 2007 Posted September 12, 2007 The US isn't still 21.. The US changed to age 21... somewhat recently ( in the last 22 or so years ) 18 used to be the drinking age.. When I graduated from high school the drinking age was 18 here in Georgia.. When I turned 20 it turned to age 19 and when I turned 22 it turned to 21.. Do you think it is possible that the other 5 countries are behind the times ? Weren't you lucky, you meant to dodge it lol I guess what I was saying was that most people by the age of 18 drink socially, no matter the law. When any of you were teenagers can you honestly say you followed every single law? I rather doubt it. The other countries which have the legal age above 18 are: Egypt(21) Canada (which is 19) South Korea (19) India (ranges from 18-25) Oman (21) Iceland (20) Japan (20). That makes ALOT of countries left. Found it interesting that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are both completely dry. I know quite a few people from both countries and they can drink the Aussies under the table
Art_Critic Posted September 12, 2007 Posted September 12, 2007 Weren't you lucky, you meant to dodge it lol I guess what I was saying was that most people by the age of 18 drink socially, no matter the law. When any of you were teenagers can you honestly say you followed every single law? I rather doubt it. I know.. It would've been tough to be legal one day and then not the next.. Absolutely true that minors are going to drink no matter what the laws say.. I started drinking when I was 15/16.. but then I'm a full blown sober Alcoholic today.. and the laws didn't affect when I started drinking.. I used to break in my Dad's liquor cabinet.. but I do think that 21 is the correct age.mostly because of my past history with it.. I know the things I did while under the influence while I was a younger minor and know the things that I did as someone between the ages 18-21 and I was much more of a responsible drinker ( albeit a drunk ) after I had turned 21.. I was much safer to the other people in the public..
Author thromback Posted September 12, 2007 Author Posted September 12, 2007 Like, I just feel like its such a dumb law. If I never had a drink in my life, why am I paying the state anything at all? I'm saving lives by designating driving. We will see what happens.
tanbark813 Posted September 12, 2007 Posted September 12, 2007 You're only 18 so it's understandable but as you get older you're going to realize just how many laws make no sense. Tip of the iceberg, bro. Welcome to adulthood.
JamesM Posted September 12, 2007 Posted September 12, 2007 Like, I just feel like its such a dumb law. If I never had a drink in my life, why am I paying the state anything at all? I'm saving lives by designating driving. We will see what happens. I agree with you 100%. And I against drinking for the most part. Although I have had wine and wine coolers, I have never tasted beer. I am 44. Strange I know, but when I was about 29, I realized that I hadn't had a beer. Then it became a challenge to not have one. So, I have had mixed drinks (rarely) and a wine or two, but no beer. I know how you feel. It could have happened to me. I have been at a party where this happened. And once when I went to a friend's house, she handed out pot for everyone to smoke while we were studying. I did not have one, but if police had busted in, I would have a record. Sometimes these things happen in life and they are not fair. It is about learning the hard way. Pay the ticket and learn.
shoesies05 Posted September 24, 2007 Posted September 24, 2007 I'm 19 and drink heavily at least once a week... But im not sure about my point of view on the 21+ law, cuz in other countries people that are young view drinking diff. cuz its not such a taboo. but then- i know that not being 21 often keeps me from driving even when ive only had like two beers cuz im afraid ill get a DUI. and i know that this is the same for some of my friends under 21 { tho just about everyone is over 21}... so does the idea of killing someone or myself while driving drunk...
shoesies05 Posted September 24, 2007 Posted September 24, 2007 Like, I just feel like its such a dumb law. If I never had a drink in my life, why am I paying the state anything at all? I'm saving lives by designating driving. We will see what happens. Yea- im sorry dude. that sucks, but hey if you were the DD maybe they'd undertand.
musikaprinsesa Posted September 26, 2007 Posted September 26, 2007 Just wanna ask you dude.. YOu said you don't drink wondering what are you doing on that place that would be boring for you and yet your busted lol
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