TCNJ Underage Drinking Attorney
The criminal charge that clearly arises most often on the Ewing Campus of TCNJ is underage drinking. Whether its the result of possession or consumption of alcohol by someone under legal drinking age of twenty-one (21) or another variety of offense, an attorney at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall has the tools to insure that you move on from the violation with your future intact. Our lawyers have been appearing in Ewing Municipal Court for decades on behalf of students charged with underage possession and consumption of alcohol and we cannot recall a case where our client ended up with a criminal conviction. While prior success cannot guaranty a dismissal of your underage drinking offense, the attorneys on our staff clearly have a track record of success to insure you have every opportunity to avoid a criminal record. To speak to a lawyer immediately or to schedule an appointment in our Lawrenceville Office a few miles from campus, call 609–683–8102.
Underage Possession of Alcohol Offense at TCNJ
The Campus Police of TCNJ write hundreds of underage possession of alcohol and drinking offenses every year. The charge is so common that it is number “4” of the frequently asked questions on the department’s web page. It says, in pertinent part, that:
If the officer observes you in violation of NJSA 2C:33-15, Possession or Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages in Public by Persons Under the Legal Age to do so, you most likely will be issued a summons for the violation. If you are transported, a summons will be mailed via USPS Certified Mail to your home address.
There are exceptions to the summons requirement. See “911 Lifeline Legislation” information.
The summons, sometimes referred to as a “B” Summons, is an official notice for you to appear in court. The summons states that the officer reported that s/he observed you committing this violation. If you receive a summons, you must appear in court on the court date. If you do not, there will be a warrant issued for your arrest. TCNJ Campus Police uses Ewing Township Municipal Court for all traffic and non-indictable criminal violations.
The law set forth at N.J.S.A. 2C:33-15 makes it a disorderly persons offense, a misdemeanor, for anyone under twenty-one to knowingly possess or consume alcohol at a school, in a motor vehicle or in a public place. The term “public” means a roadway, park, common area of an apartment, place of business or any other area that is accessible to the public. A violation of this law exposes you to a fine of $500-$1,000, up to six months in jail and the possibility of a six month license suspension. The suspension is mandatory if the offense was committed in a motor vehicle.
TCNJ Disciplinary Sanctions. It is important to keep in mind that possession of alcohol by someone under legal drinking age also subjects a violator to disciplinary penalties and sanctions. TCNJ may impose punishment that includes community service, completion of an Alcohol and Drug Education Program (ADEP), removal from housing, and suspension or expulsion from the college.
Ewing NJ Underage Alcohol Possession Lawyer
If you are looking for a Ewing NJ Criminal Attorney to defend you against an underage drinking offense at TCNJ, The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall is definitely a firm with the qualifications to serve you. We have been successfully representing students and visitors to the campus for decades in the municipal court and there is no reason to believe that we cannot accomplish the same for you. Contact our office at (609) 683-8102. A lawyer is ready to assist you immediately.