Michigan Criminal Attorneys Blog
The following are misdemeanor offenses related to minors possessing or purchasing tobacco that are regularly prosecuted by the Troy Michigan city attorney under the Troy Michigan local ordinances. The numbers listed below are from the Troy Criminal Code:
98.12.01 Person Under 18 – Possess or Purchase Tobacco. No person under the age of 18 shall purchase, attempt to purchase, possess or use tobacco in any form or any product that is used for the formation of a smoking device. A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor. punishable by a fine of not more than $50.00 for each offense.
98.12.02 Sell or Furnish Tobacco to Person Under 18. No person shall sell, furnish, give or deliver tobacco in any form or any product that is used for the formation of a smoking device to any person under the age of 18. A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor. punishable by a fine of not more than $50.00 for each offense.
According to Troy Criminal Code 98.01.03, in addition to the penalties provided above, the court may impose any sanction or remedial measure provided in state law for misdemeanor offenses.
A person who aids, abets, counsels, commands, or procures the commission of the above offenses shall be punished as if that person were the principal. A principal is a person who commits any of the above listed offenses. The word “person” includes any individual, co-partnership, corporation, association, club, joint venture, estate, trust, and any other group or combination acting as a unit, and the individuals constituting such group or unit.
When charged with an offense related to minors purchasing or possessing tobacco in Troy, Michigan it is important to hire an experienced local criminal lawyer to assist you. An experienced criminal lawyer may be able to help you avoid a criminal conviction and a harsh result, depending upon the circumstances of your case.
The above offense can also be prosecuted as misdemeanor offenses under state law. State law cases are handled by the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office. Court cases for both State law cases and Troy ordinance cases are both heard at the 52/4 District Court. The 52/4 District Court is located at 520 W. Big Beaver Road in the city of Troy. The presiding Judges are the Honorable Kirsten Nielsen Hartig and the Honorable Maureen McGinnis. There are also magistrates that work for the Court that handle criminal arraignment of these types of charges. For any criminal case it is advisable to retain and experienced criminal defense lawyer who regularly practices at the Court.
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