Some Underage Drinking Laws
There was a time when drinking alcohol before one reached the age of consent was simply considered a part of life.
It may have been illegal, but the only punishment many minors faced when caught was to have their beverages confiscated by the police.
As we have probably all noticed by now, this is no longer the case.
As with drunk driving, public concern about the dangers of underage drinking has grown, prompting state governments to impose harsher penalties for this crime.
This article will provide a quick overview of the most common alcohol-related offenses young people commit in Texas, along with the sentences they can face if convicted.
Minor in Possession It is illegal for people under the age of 21 to have alcohol in their possession, with the following exceptions:
This is not illegal if the person is within view of a guardian or spouse who has given him or her permission to drink.
For a first time offense, the defendant may receive a deferred disposition, which means the charge may be dropped if he or she stays out of trouble for a given length of time.
This is not an option for people facing their second offense.
Attempt to Purchase Alcohol Simply put, it is illegal for minors to buy or attempt to buy alcoholic beverages.
If they use fake ID's or otherwise misrepresent their ages in the attempt, they will face a second charge called Misrepresentation of Age.
These offenses are considered Class C misdemeanors.
The penalties can include
It may have been illegal, but the only punishment many minors faced when caught was to have their beverages confiscated by the police.
As we have probably all noticed by now, this is no longer the case.
As with drunk driving, public concern about the dangers of underage drinking has grown, prompting state governments to impose harsher penalties for this crime.
This article will provide a quick overview of the most common alcohol-related offenses young people commit in Texas, along with the sentences they can face if convicted.
Minor in Possession It is illegal for people under the age of 21 to have alcohol in their possession, with the following exceptions:
- The minor is at work, and his or her job involves serving or working with alcohol
- The minor in within view of a parents, guardian, or spouse
- The minor is within view of a police officer who is working to enforce this law (i.
e.
having a person under 21 attempt to buy alcohol to see if a store will let him)
This is not illegal if the person is within view of a guardian or spouse who has given him or her permission to drink.
For a first time offense, the defendant may receive a deferred disposition, which means the charge may be dropped if he or she stays out of trouble for a given length of time.
This is not an option for people facing their second offense.
Attempt to Purchase Alcohol Simply put, it is illegal for minors to buy or attempt to buy alcoholic beverages.
If they use fake ID's or otherwise misrepresent their ages in the attempt, they will face a second charge called Misrepresentation of Age.
These offenses are considered Class C misdemeanors.
The penalties can include
- A $250-$2,000 fine and/or a jail sentence of up to 180 days
- 8-12 hours of community service for first convictions (20-40 for repeat convictions)
- Suspension of driver's license for 30 days for first conviction, 60 days for second conviction, and 180 days for the third or more conviction
- A mandatory alcohol education class