By Sullivan Rice
For many young people, an underage drinking incident may seem like a relatively minor mistake. But an alcohol-related encounter with police can result in criminal or other legal consequences, particularly when the situation involves a fake ID, driving, furnishing alcohol, or other offenses.
Minnesota law generally prohibits people under 21 from consuming alcoholic beverages.
Minnesota's Underage Drinking Law
Minnesota Statutes section 340A.503 makes it unlawful for a person under 21 to consume alcoholic beverages. There is a specific affirmative defense when the alcohol was consumed in the household of the person's parent or guardian with the parent's or guardian's consent.
Minnesota law also prohibits a person under 21 from falsely claiming to be 21 or older for purposes of purchasing alcohol.
Interestingly, Minnesota's statute specifies that a person does not reach age 21 for purposes of purchasing, possessing, consuming, selling, furnishing, or serving alcohol until 8:00 a.m. on the person's 21st birthday.
Underage Drinking Can Become More Complicated
An underage drinking case may involve more than simply whether someone consumed alcohol.
Police may also investigate:
Fake identification
Purchasing alcohol for another person
Providing alcohol to someone under 21
Possession of alcohol
DWI or underage DWI
Disorderly conduct
Assault
Open-container violations
Other offenses connected to the incident
The potential consequences therefore depend heavily on what actually happened.
What About the Person Who Provided the Alcohol?
Minnesota law also addresses furnishing alcohol to people under 21.
In certain circumstances, providing alcohol to someone under 21 can become significantly more serious. For example, Minnesota law provides felony penalties for certain unlawful furnishing of alcohol when the underage person becomes intoxicated and suffers or causes death or great bodily harm as a result.
Do Not Assume an Underage Alcohol Case Is "Just a Ticket"
The consequences of an alcohol-related arrest or citation can depend on the exact charge, the person's age, prior history, whether a vehicle was involved, and what other conduct occurred.
A young person facing an alcohol-related charge should understand the specific accusation before deciding how to respond.
Jack Rice Defense represents clients facing criminal charges and alcohol-related offenses in Minnesota. An attorney can review the circumstances and explain what options may be available.
