Police busting a party where there is underage drinking?

FlatEarf

A police officer (in the united states at least) can not enter your property without reasonable cause. They will ask your permission to enter and you can always refuse by saying "no." However, there is a "plain sight" exception, that means; anything visible from the doorway is fair game and can be used as probably cause to enter. So if they see someone who looks young while standing at the front door, they can enter the premises under that suspicion.

If there are any minors who are intoxicated then it is YOUR responsibility and you will face legal action, and probably a night at county jail.

I say go ahead with the party and try really hard to keep minors out, even if that means renting out a stupid bouncer. I don't know what your local laws are, but here in LA 11:00 is considered "quiet time," so don't blare your music too loud after that particular time. Dont give the cops a reason to show up in the first place.

BTW: that "x" on the hand thing is not true...you will be busted.

simplydelicious

Your house your responsibility no matter what mark their hand or not.
They drive and kill some one YOU can get arrested.

RobinGoodfellow

If you go to this web sit it will give you information based on what state you live in.

http://www.alcoholpolicy.niaaa.nih.gov/stateprofiles/

Who aren't you?

Bad idea to invite loads of people you do not know to your house.

A minor who drinks at your place will be your responsibility if they merely get caught, even if they leave after.

Anyone (minor or legal) who drives and gets into an accident after being supplied alcohol at your place, equally, you are responsible for and can get into trouble.

Don't invite people over you do not know, besides, they are likely to trash your house, and you don't want your house warming to suddenly become house cleaning.

If the police do show up, you just would want to step outside (don't open the door and let them in or get much of a look inside even) and ask them if there is something you can help them with. If they show up it probably would be because of a noise complaint, say you'll turn it down if that is the case. Don't feed any suspicions.

Again though, bad idea to invite loads of people over you don't know, it will not be worth it when someone spills on the carpet or breaks something on accident, or some bad thing happen like you actually get busted, or someone kills someone driving home drunk from your house. Better safe than sorry.

shawn

it's called contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and you will get in trouble! the best thing to do is no minors plain and simple!

frankturk50

It helps if you say what country you are in .In UK it is an offence to purchase alcohol under 18 years but not to consume it in a private place.The police have no power of entry under licensing laws but could enter to prevent breach of peace or if they believe young persons to be in physical danger due to excessive alcohol abuse.

Zach

If you are planning a big party as you say, it is going to be extremely hard for you to cover it up so there is no probable cause there is a party going on. You are going to have people outside, cars parked outside your house, music that can probably be heard at the front door, a lot of talking that can be heard, etc. A police officer can take the smallest thing and say it was probable cause to enter the house. If the police have probable cause to believe a party is going on, they do not have to have your permission to enter the house. If there is a party, they will be able to search any place people may be hiding or where people may be this includes bathrooms, bedrooms, etc. So, if the police have probable cause which they will have, you can't just say no. You can't just not open the door either. Doing so is going to irritate the police because they are going to bust your door down, which you will be responsible for the damages and they are not going to be as nice to you or your guests when considering arresting or giving tickets.

Since it is your party it will be your responsibility to make sure minors do not get a hold of alcohol. If they are caught with alcohol you can still be responsible for it, even if you marked their hands with an X. This is true in bars as well. If a minor is caught drinking, you are responsible, even if you took the precautions to prevent it. There is no way around that. Whoever told you that does not know the law. Its best to not allow minors to your parties at all. When I have parties I am very selective of the minors that come... only invite people you know. This isn't only going to protect you from the police, but protect you from any crimes that may be committed against you or your property.

Remember, you are fully responsible for what goes on in your home at all times.

sweet.caroline

Are you of legal age? Is this your house or your parents' house?

Reasonable suspicion could be if someone comes stumbling out of the door drunk. It could be if they are called to the house for noise and there is a kid who looks too young who is obviously drunk and they can come in. About saying no? Do you mean to letting them in or do you mean letting underage in or giving them drinks?

You are better to make sure no underage kids are at the party - period. You could be charged and the owner of the house could be charged if that is not you (like if it is a parent. Putting an x on someones hand does not relieve you of responsibility.

Alexis M

basically-if a cop comes for a noise complaint or something, they have no right to come into your place, unless you invite them. Even if they ask to come in, you can say no. If you are 21, and show your id-they don't have reasonable suspicion to come in. You can get in trouble if you are contributing to a minor-but I really wouldn't worry about it too much.

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