Any minor who is charged with underage possession of alcohol in Florida can face serious penalties. While many minors think an offense isn’t serious because they are underage, a conviction can come with a lasting criminal record, hefty fines, probation, and even potential jail time. Facing DUI, a Probation Violation, or other Criminal Defense matters can make these consequences even more serious.
An underage DUI lawyer can help you better understand your rights and the charges you’re facing while building a defense that protects your interests.
Underage Possession and Use of Alcohol Laws in Florida
Florida Statute 562.111 prohibits the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by anyone under the age of 21. Additionally, Florida’s zero tolerance law makes it illegal for anyone under 21 years old to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.02% or higher. Generally, any minor found to be driving with a BAC over the 0.02% limit receives an automatic license suspension, in addition to other potential criminal consequences.
The state of Florida takes underage possession and use of alcohol cases very seriously, especially when minors are found driving with alcohol in their system. In 2023, teen drivers in Florida were involved in 80,865 crashes that resulted in 323 fatalities and 1,785 serious injuries. Because many of those crashes involved alcohol, local law enforcement is working tirelessly to prosecute underage drinking and deter the behavior.
Common Penalties for Underage Possession of Alcohol
If you are a minor under 21 years old and you’re arrested for underage alcohol possession, there are several directions that your case can go. The penalties you face depend on many different factors, including whether or not this is your first offense or whether or not you used a fake ID to purchase the alcohol. The charge may be classified as a Felony or Misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances. Here is a brief rundown of the key legal penalties that come into play during an underage alcohol possession case in Florida:
- First Offense. If this is your first underage alcohol possession charge, it’s generally classified as a second-degree misdemeanor. If convicted, you can end up facing up to 60 days in jail, six months of probation, and a fine of $500. Your driver’s license can also be revoked for up to one year.
- Subsequent Offenses. If you are facing a second or subsequent underage alcohol possession charge, it will likely be classified as a first-degree misdemeanor. These charges can come with penalties including up to a year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and a two-year revocation of your driver’s license.
- Use of a Fake ID. Your case can become much more serious if you used a fake, borrowed, or forged ID to buy or possess alcohol. In these instances, you may face third-degree felony charges that come with potential prison sentences.
Don’t Wait to Hire an Honest Underage DUI Lawyer: Contact Jay Patel Attorney at Law.
While facing underage alcohol possession charges in Florida can be daunting, you can trust Jay Patel Attorney at Law to listen to your story and leverage his knowledge to protect your future. With experience as a skilled defense lawyer, former prosecutor, and deputy sheriff, founding attorney Jay Patel has assisted countless Florida residents in navigating underage alcohol cases and is ready to do the same for you. Contact the firm today to speak with him about your case.
