Rhode Island has a state law prohibiting the sale of alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. Zach, a 17 year-old, goes into a Rhode Island Quickie Mart and purchases a 6 pack of beer from Al the store clerk. Al checked Zach%u2019s actual driver%u2019s license, but being really bad at math, miscalculated and believed Zach to be 22. Both Al and the Quickie Mart are criminally charges for selling alcohol to a minor in violation of state and law. The charges will likely:
Stand as a matter of strict liability.
Be thrown out because Al simply miscalculated.
Stand only if the prosecution can prove Al knew for a fact that Zach was a minor.
Stand as to Al but be dropped as to the Quickie Mart