Under 21 Alcohol Violations

Phoenix Underage Drinking Attorney

DUI • Consumption • False ID

Arizona Alcohol Violations for Persons Under Age 21

Free Consultation: 480-600-4DUI (4384)

If you or your child are under 21 years of age and charged with an alcohol-related offense, contact Phoenix underage drinking attorney Cheryl A. Brown, L.L.C. for a free consultation.

I am experienced at protecting the rights of minors in alcohol offenses, and I work to ensure that any punishment has the least possible impact on their lives and criminal record.

Under 21 DUI Violation

The State of Arizona has an extremely harsh law regarding drinking and driving by underage drivers. While adults must have a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of .08 to be charged with DUI, minors and young adults (up to age 21) can be charged with DUI for having any alcohol in their system (.01 BAC), even if there are no physical signs of impairment.

However, the penalties for Under 21 DUI are the same (or worse) as for adults. On a first offense, conviction may carry:

• license suspension for up to 2 years (eligible for work permit at court's discretion)
• a Class 1 misdemeanor criminal record
• a minimum of 1 day in jail (9 days suspended sentence if submitting to alcohol treatment evaluation and/or treatment)
• fines and court costs of around $1,700
• probation, education classes, community service and other penalties at the discretion of the court

Underage Consumption or Minor in Consumption

You must be age 21 to legally drink in Arizona, and state agencies and organizations are trying to clamp down on underage drinking. Underage consumption of alcohol is a misdemeanor and carries severe penalties:

• Driver's license suspension for up to 2 years
• Fines up to around $500 plus court costs
• A misdemeanor record
• Community service

False ID to Obtain Alcohol

Using a fake driver's license or other identification to obtain alcohol is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Penalties may include:

• Alcohol and substance abuse treatment
• Fines up to around $750
• Jail up to 4 months

Open Container / Possession

Simply possessing alcoholic beverages or having the misfortune of sitting closest to the empty beer can (open container) in a car can result in misdemeanor charges and a heavy fine for anyone under 21.

Other Consequences

In addition to criminal prosecution, underage drinkers may face other consequences for underage drinking. I represent high school and college students (including many at Arizona State University) facing suspension or expulsion from school, as well as suspension from athletic teams or other sanctions, relating to zero-tolerance alcohol policy violations.

In every alcohol-related offense, I thoroughly examine the facts of the case and advise clients on the merits of contesting the charges or negotiating a plea bargain to a lesser offense with fewer consequences. My goal is always to minimize the impact of the charges on the young person's life.

Contact a Phoenix underage drinking attorney who will discreetly handle your case. I offer a free consultation, and I accept credit cards or payment plans.