if they have evidence that he actually sold alcohol to a minor, then, the best way is to plead guilty and get some kind of deal, such as lesser fine by telling the DA that he was careless, and that he has learned his lesson. i don't think they are going to sentence him to jail time. if he is working without work authorization, that could affect his immigration status, if the DA asks. if not, just work out a deal with the DA unless, he has proof that the person sold to is NOT a minor. remember, USA is tough on those violations.

now, if he is, as in most cases, slapped with only a fine via a ticket, just pay the fine and get over with it. if the fine is too much, just call the number on the ticket and request lesser fine and/or payment in installments.

if court is involved and if the EE was not sent to a proper government sanctioned training centers, then employer is in trouble. because everyone selling alcohol, must go to a class (federal law), sponsored (paid) by the employer. if none of these happened, then employer is in trouble. if the kid did not have work auth, then both are in even bigger problem, very very big problem. i mean, the employer will certainly loose his biz lincense, and may be sentenced with $250K fine and jail time.