Palm Beach Sherriff Deputies patrolling off of Peanut Island pulled up to a 22 foot open vessel and confronted the young woman holding a beer can. When the police asked her how old she was, she responded 18 years old. The college student, vacationing from Virginia, was interviewed by the police and issued a citation for violation of Florida Statute 562.11, Under Age Possession of Alcohol.
Florida law prohibits the sale of alcohol to persons under the age of 21. Possession of alcoholic beverages by a person under age 21 is also illegal. First offense for underage possession of alcohol is a crime punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a fine of $500.00.
College students and other young adults facing criminal charges have a lot at stake. Criminal conviction can result in serious consequences and may jeopardize school loans, scholarships, college admission, employment and other future opportunities. It is important to take proper action and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in these matters.
The Virginia student recognized the need to retain local attorneys and turned to our Miami criminal defense team at Musca Law. Our attorneys have extensive experience dealing with tourist criminal defense. Our local attorneys can help so the defendant may not have to come back in town for court appearances. We use diligent efforts to get tourist criminal charges reduced, or dropped, so there is no record of criminal conviction that can damage a promising future.
On behalf of our client we negotiated with the State Attorney assigned to her case. Our client completed a diversion program and our Miami attorneys successfully convinced the State to file a Nolle Prosse, meaning the charges were dropped. This demonstrates how the right criminal defense can minimize consequences.
