Underage drinking can be a crime with many possible consequences. A Class 3 Misdemeanor does not carry the same penalties as a felony, but it can result in a fine, suspension of your license, and jail time. Some of these charges can be expunged, which is great news if you don’t want to go to jail. Continue reading to learn more.
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Class 3 Misdemeanor
Underage drinking is a crime that a defendant should be aware of the legal consequences and the penalties. If you are underage, you can face charges of possession and sale of alcohol in most states. There are some exceptions to this rule, but underage defendants might be able to avoid a conviction by agreeing with certain conditions. One such condition is obtaining counseling and alcohol abuse classes. Other conditions include performing community service and paying a fine.
A Class 3 Misdemeanor case should be seriously considered, regardless of whether your child pleads guilty to the charge or faces trial. Even if the accused is convicted of a misdemeanor the unwritten consequences can be much more severe. The conviction will be recorded on your child’s criminal history. It will also affect their future opportunities and could lead to a permanent criminal record. In such a case, it is best to get the legal representation of an attorney who specializes in underage drinking defense.
License suspension
If you are convicted of a second crime, your license suspension for underage drinkers will automatically increase. An experienced attorney can help you reduce or eliminate jail time. You will not be able to go to school, work, or home if you are suspended for longer than the suspension period. Two years of no driver’s license is a long time. In many cases, your suspension can be removed if you hire an experienced attorney.
Although state laws are different, most states allow youth license suspensions for violating underage drinking laws. Some states impose a suspension on a license for all underage drinking offenses. Others have specific laws that suspend a license for a single offense such as false identification. Depending on the severity of the offense, you may receive a civil or criminal sanction. Additional sanctions may be available in some states if you are convicted of an offense involving underage drinking.
Jail time
In California, a minor who consumes alcohol is considered underage and may be fined anywhere from $100 to $300. He or she will be required to complete an alcohol information school, give up their driver’s license, and perform community service. A repeat offenders may face a one-year suspension of their license. Depending on the offense, they may avoid jail time, but can face substantial fines.
While the court’s decision may not seem fair, a judge’s response to an underage drinker’s behavior will likely have a lasting impact on the case. If someone is caught underage drinking, they are likely to end up in jail. While probation is a reasonable punishment for underage drinking, jail time is too harsh. No matter what punishment is used, the freedom and mental well-being of a juvenile should be protected.
Fines
A fine is usually the most severe penalty, but underage drinking can have much more serious consequences. A first offense can result in a 90-day suspension. A second offense can lead to a one-year suspension. A third offense can result in an immediate two-year suspension. In addition, being unable to drive can have significant consequences for the young person, preventing them from pursuing a career. Moreover, a conviction for underage drinking in a vehicle could result in a student losing a scholarship, or even getting kicked out of college.
While underage drinking is an innocent act, it can still lead to serious consequences. Underage drinking can affect a minor’s academics, extracurricular activities, and driver’s insurance policy, as well as their future prospects. Therefore, it is essential that a person charged with underage drinking get legal representation to protect their future. Contact a skilled attorney if you have been accused of underage drinking. There are many ways to defend yourself against this charge, including a fine, and an attorney will help you make the most of your rights.
Other penalties
While underage drinking and driving can be a social problem, there are other penalties for underage drinkers, too. These penalties can include a fine of up to $200 and up to five years in jail. In some cases, underage drinkers may circumvent arrest by wearing plain clothes and mixing with other patrons. This can be extremely dangerous for those underage, so it is important that parents and other responsible adults educate their children about the consequences of underage drinking and driving.
A suspension of a driver’s license is another punishment for underage drinking in California. A first offense of underage drinking is a one-year suspension, and the license of an ineligible driver is suspended for a year. The license is revoked for a period of two years for second-time infractions. Infractions can also be added to an individual’s permanent record. This punishment is meant to encourage healthy attitudes towards alcohol and discourage underage drinking.