Many teens and college students are aware that underage drinking is illegal, but they are not necessarily aware of the possible penalties. The answer is that it is contingent on the charge. Today, we'll look at a few possible underage drinking accusations and their potential implications. If you still have questions, contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell for a free legal consultation at (949) 585-9055.
Buying alcohol with a false ID charges
The first charge we'll go over is purchasing alcohol with a forged identification card. It is prohibited for a person under the age of 21 to possess and present a fake ID that has been illegally authored, printed, or utilized for identification for the purpose of purchasing, ordering, or obtaining service of an alcoholic beverage, according to the law.
A misdemeanor conviction can result in up to 32 hours of community service and a minimum $250 fine, while penalty assessments can treble that amount. A conviction for using a fraudulent ID can result in a one-year license suspension.
It's not uncommon for someone charged with false ID legislation to additionally be charged with public alcohol possession while under the age of 21. This can also include up to 32 hours of community service and a one-year suspension of your driver's license. As you can see, the harshness of the implications means that if you're accused, you'll need a criminal defense counsel.
Providing alcohol to minors
An adult may sell or supply alcohol to minors under some circumstances. It is prohibited in California to sell, give away, or provide alcohol to anybody under the age of 21. If an established firm does so, one defense alternative is that the individual to whom it was sold presented an ID that was fairly acknowledged as legitimate, such as a driver's license, passport, or California ID.
A conviction for giving alcohol to minors, on the other hand, is a misdemeanor punishable by fines of up to $1,000. It can also include 24 hours of community service at a county coroner's office or an alcohol treatment center. If a person sells or delivers alcohol to a minor and that minor causes significant physical damage to themselves or another person, the person who sold or supplied it to them might face a six-month prison sentence.
Any charge of underage drinking must be presented to an attorney
If you've been charged with underage drinking, you'll need the assistance of a criminal defense attorney. We have the experience at Law Office of Michael L. Fell to guide you through this. It's time to call (949) 585-9055 for a free legal consultation if you've been charged with an underage DUI, an adult who bought alcohol for a person under the age of 21, or another offense linked to underage drinking.