“Facilitating a Drug or Underage Alcohol House Party” is a criminal offense and can carry a penalty of up to 12 months in jail if charged as a class A misdemeanor and a fine of up to $1,200.00 if charged as a class B misdemeanor. A conviction for a class A or B misdemeanor is a criminal record.

 

This charge is often a result of the local police breaking up a large gathering due to noise complaints. In the process, if the police encounter several people who appear to be underage and have been drinking or using drugs they will often further investigate. If there is evidence that 5 or more people under the age of 21 were at the party and at least one of those people was using drugs or drinking alcohol the owner or renter in charge of the property may find themselves charged.

 

Criminal arrests can trigger serious consequences for UNH and college-age students. Local arrests of UNH students often a result in a mandatory disciplinary meeting with your Dean’s office, a possible loss of scholarships, a loss of study abroad privileges, and a possible suspension from the University. Criminal convictions can also have serious impacts on future employment opportunities.

 

Criminal Defense Attorney Joanne M. Stella has over 20 years’ experience representing those charged with criminal offenses and has represented over 9,000 UNH students. If you are arrested you need competent legal representation. Attorney Stella will explain the process, guide you through the system and provide a strong and rigorous defense. Contact her for a free consultation.