Probable cause means that the officer has a reasonable suspicion that a crime is being or has been committed. That reasonable suspicion can be based upon complaints from neighbors or others who would have a good reason to know about what was going on at the house or on things the officer can personally observe when at the location. Providing alcohol to minors is a crime that would allow an officer to enter a private residence. The court-imposed consequences to the owner of the property, the person(s) in residence, and the person who provided or made the alcohol available can range from a fine to jail time. Social consequences can include loss of employment, social shunning, loss of opportunities at school/work/clubs/events, increase in insurance rates, and other limitations.
Answered on Apr 29th, 2014 at 6:25 PM