In May of 2012, our Client was charged by the Narragansett Police Department with transportation of alcohol by a minor. Pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws 3-8-9, transportation of alcohol by a minor is defined as, "any person who has not reached his or her twenty-first (21st) birthday and who operates a motor vehicle upon the public highways, except when accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or another adult who is over the age of twenty-one (21) years and related."
If convicted, the penalties include:
(1) For a first offense, a fine of not more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) and have his or her license to operate a motor vehicle suspended for not more than thirty (30) days;
(2) For a second offense, a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500) and have his or her license to operate a motor vehicle suspended for not more than ninety (90) days;
(3) For a third or subsequent offense, a fine of no less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than nine hundred and fifty dollars ($950) and have his or her license to operate a motor vehicle suspended for one year.
An underage driver can still be charged with transportation of alcohol by a minor even if the alcohol was lawfully purchased by someone twenty-one (21) years or older. The law does allow a minor to transport alcohol if a family member is in the vehicle or if the minor is transporting unopened alcoholic beverages in the course of their employment.
In August of 2012, the transportation of alcohol charge was dismissed based upon our negotiations with the Prosecutor and Attorney Humphrey's experience, reputation and skill with alcohol offense cases. The case is immediately eligible for expungement.
If you or a family member has been charged with transportation of alcohol by a minor, possession of alcohol by a minor or other alcohol offenses, please allow Attorney Robert H. Humphrey's reputation, experience and skill to successfully guide you through the legal process. Please contact Attorney Robert H. Humphrey, Esq., at 401-816-5862 or e-mail him at rhh@rhumphreylaw.com.