Monmouth County Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog
After police received two reports of burglary and suspicious behavior at a Holmdel Township residence, they discovered a large party in progress and arrested 27 individuals. Those arrested included adults and juveniles, many of whom are facing charges including underage drinking and providing alcohol to minors.
According to Holmdel Police Sergeant Vincent Imperato, authorities received the initial burglary report on Wednesday, June 29th. They arrived on the scene at approximately 9:30 p.m. to find a vacant home with evidence indicating that a large party may have occurred recently. Investigators reportedly discovered empty alcohol containers, garbage, missing items, and damage to the property.
The following night, Holmdel police responded to another call reporting suspicious persons. This time, when they arrived at the property at approximately 1:30 a.m., they found a large party in progress. Ultimately, police arrested 27 individuals, including 21 adults and 6 juveniles, all of whom were under the legal age to consume alcohol.
These individuals, who hailed from Keyport, Union Beach, and surrounding areas, were charged with a variety offenses, including burglary, criminal trespass, criminal mischief, providing alcohol to minors, and/or underage drinking.
The charge of underage drinking is technically referred to as “underage possession or consumption of alcohol,” and is outlined in section N.J.S.A. 2C:33-15 of the New Jersey Criminal Code. Underage drinking is classified as a disorderly persons offense, which is punishable by a sentence to serve up to 6 months in the county jail, a maximum fine of $1,000, and a charge on the defendant’s criminal record.
While underage drinking is a disorderly persons offense, which will require the adult defendants to appear in Holmdel Municipal Court, those charged with burglary will be required to appear in Monmouth County Superior Court because burglary is typically a third degree indictable crime in New Jersey. The potential penalties for burglary are reflective of the degree of the crime and may include a sentence to serve between 3 and 5 years in New Jersey State Prison.
It is important to note, however, that the juveniles charged in connection with this incident will have their cases adjudicated in the Family Division of Monmouth County Superior Court. The juvenile justice system in New Jersey is very different from adult court, as it is guided by the “best interests of the child” standard. In order to thoroughly protect yourself, it is essential to understand the nature of the charges against you, the venue in which your case will be heard and decided, and the penalties to which you are exposed if convicted.
Criminal defense attorney Tara Breslow has dedicated the last ten years to defending juveniles and adults in Holmdel, Red Bank, Freehold, Middletown, and throughout Monmouth County, New Jersey. Contact her offices today to receive a cost-free consultation about your case.
For additional information pertaining to this case, access the following article: Dozens busted at vacant house party in Holmdel