Brief hearing held Weds. in Serra trial

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) -- Rhode Island's relatively new social host law is being tested in an important court case in South Kingstown.

Terri Serra, 49, is a former member of the Chariho School Committee who is accused of violating that law.

Serra appeared in court Wednesday afternoon for a very brief hearing.

Just more than a year ago, prosecutors say four Chariho high school students were injured in a serious car crash after leaving an underage drinking party Terri Serra hosted at her home.

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She pleaded not guilty to the charge of violating the social host law, but she later resigned from her job with the school committee as a result of the charge.

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Now, her defense lawyer is arguing the social host law is vague and can leave an adult without specifics on how to comply with it.

Prosecutors argue the law is clear and that Terri Serra broke it by not doing enough to stop the party behind her home.

“If you have an event at your house, you can’t procure, purchase or permit alcohol on your property,” said Michael Cozzolino, Richmond Town Solicitor.

Another hearing has been scheduled from 2 p.m. on Nov. 30 in Providence District Court.