Jeewan,

In which state and county did this incident happen?? Because different states and different counties have their own rules, knowing the county and state is very important for anyone to suggest you. In some counties like Dallas county in TX, if anyone sells alcohol to a minor, the seller is taken to prison most of the time (also depends on the officer handling the case), whereas counties like Collen and Wyle in TX, seller only gets a fine for the first time and if the offence is repeated three or more times, then only he/she is taken to prison. So, it really depends on the county and state.

It is wonderful that your friend is not taken to jail, because if he was taken then many questions about his legal status would have come. Now, if he is only issued a ticket (and usually these kinds of tickets are large averaging atleast $500), it is a lot better and safe for him to pay the ticket and solve the issue. In most cases like, these employers pay the fines for their employees or pay at least the half, but the employer is in no way obliged to do so. It is just an understanding between the two.

Are you sure that he was not taken to a prison, because you're saying that they have given a court date. Usually, if anyone is issued a ticket or fine, he/she is not given a court date. They are given certain days (normally 21 days) from the date of offence within which they have to come to the court and pay the ticket or make a deal and agree to pay the ticket in installments or disagree to pay the ticket. If he disagrees to pay the ticket/fine, he has to ask for a court date to see the judge to explain him that he/she was not at fault. If the judge is convinced he will let you friend go without paying the fine or pay a minimum fine. But the thing is that court date is given at the court and not by officer who issued him the ticket at the incident site. So, this is a bit confusing.

If your friend was taken to prison and let out on a bail, he/she needs to look for a very strong and a good lawyer. PLS be specific where did this incident happen and there will be more helpful thoughts.

Good Luck to both of you.