You're right...you just keep posting the same thing. Your basic point is that if the cops can't easily decided who is actually in possession of a controlled substance then everyone in the general area should be charged. We all got that point the first time you posted it.
The point still stands however that not every person in a grouping of people is responsible for what others do. Sure, sometimes people can get railroaded when the cops are lazy and the judge just rubber stamps it, but that doesn't make it right.
In many situations, especially with teen parties at a private residence, many people at the party may be totally unaware of what another is drinking. If you've ever been to a college football game as a student this should be crystal clear. I saw many students sitting near me drinking alcohol that they snuck in...that doesn't make everyone in the student section guilty of possession.
The same thing happens at teen parties...a few people bring in their alcohol and others are unaware or or uninvolved with what they are drinking.
In regards to your alcohol in the car scenario, if one beer was in the car and one person was drinking it, it is truly doubtful that others would be charged.
The same thing happens at teen parties...a few people bring in their alcohol and others are unaware or or uninvolved with what they are drinking.
I agree, if the cops hadn't already stated the alcohol was sitting in plain view. After that you cannot say the other teens were unaware. If by chance there are teens there that are blind then I would give them a pass. All of the rest of them get a ticket. If it is sitting around in plain site they cannot say they had no idea and were unaware there was alcohol, and therefore, are in possession.
Unless of course one of them or some of them step forward and take resposibility for the contraband. Which, by the way, is the ethical thing to do. Don't know if it happened in this case, but by the way the parents are reacting, I doubt it.
I realize you are trying to give them the benefit of the doubt, but I raised two teenagers and for me to think they were all not in on the conspiracy is ludicrous. It just don't work that way with teens and their peers. I have two really great kids but like every one of their freinds they tried to get away with as much as possible. They are just now admitting to antics we did not know about. It is a good thing too, cause they'd still be grounded 10 years later.....LOL