A lawsuit has been filed and is seeking class action status against the city for allegedly illegally arresting underage drinkers without technical proof. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of everyone younger than 21 who has been cited or prosecuted as a minor in possession of alcohol in Tuscaloosa in the past six years. The lead plaintiff claims the drink she was holding was not taken as evidence and claims that Tuscaloosa's police force did not gather enough evidence to prove that she was in possession of alcohol.
Alabama state law stipulates that it is illegal for people younger than 21 to "purchase, consume, possess, or to transport any alcoholic beverages within the state." An alcoholic beverage is defined as "all drinks or drinkable liquids, preparations or mixtures intended for beverage purposes, which contain one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume."
If you feel you should be included in this possible class, please contact John Fisher of [Wiggins Jones Parsons & Fisher]
