Arizona state law forbids under the age of 21 to have alcohol in their system, regardless of the amount. The law is strict when it comes to underage drinking. Under the law in Arizona, you don’t have to be impaired by alcohol. By simply having alcohol in your system is adequate to be charged and possibly convicted.
The attorney you hire for your defense and the steps you take together can help you protect your future, whether this is your first encounter with the law or if you have a previous arrest record. Rosenstein Law Group has defended many underage clients of Chandler, Arizona, and the Phoenix metro area. For a free consultation, contact us online here or call 480-248-7666.
It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to have any amount of liquor in their system or to purchase alcohol. There may be a few exceptions for alcohol consumption, such as medicinal purposes or religious ceremonies.
There are several types of underage alcohol-related crimes. Here are some of the most common ones:
Minor in possession is classified as a class 1 misdemeanor in Chandler, Arizona. In Arizona, it’s against the law for anyone under the age of 21 to be in possession of alcohol. Even if the alcohol has not been opened, you can still be charged and prosecuted.
There are multiple types of possession charges. A constructive possession charge happens when you knowingly had control over the alcohol, whether it was with another individual or you acted alone. An actual possession charge occurs when you knowingly had physical control of the alcohol. For instance, alcohol might have been found in your bag, hand, or clothing.
*Note: It is not illegal for someone under 21 to help someone else whom is over 21 to shop in a store, i.e., it is okay for the minor to put alcohol into a shopping cart or carry the alcohol to the counter for someone who is over 21 to purchase, as long as the person over 21 is the one who actually buys it, but the minor cannot be alone with it in their possession outside of the store.
In Chandler, Arizona, some of the consequences to Minor in Possession of Alcohol (MIP) charges include:
Minor in consumption of alcohol is classified as a class 2 misdemeanor in Chandler, Arizona. It’s unlawful in Arizona for anyone under 21 years of age to drink alcohol, even if it’s just a sip.
In the state of Arizona, so, therefore, in the city of Chandler, anyone under the age of 21 who consumes alcohol can be charged with a “minor in the consumption of alcohol.” There are several consequences for this charge, including:
In Chandler, Arizona, obtaining or attempting to obtain alcohol using a fake ID is classified as a class 1 misdemeanor. You could face two separate charges–one for consuming or possessing alcohol and the other for the fake ID. You could face the consequences, such as:
Underage drinking is taken very seriously in Arizona, and you could face stiff punishments. Your career prospects and livelihood can be put in jeopardy. If you face any underage drinking charges in Chandler, Arizona, hiring an experienced DUI lawyer is the best way to understand your rights and the options that fit your situation. Your attorney will work diligently to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Having any criminal conviction on your record can influence your future. With more employers and universities running background checks, there is a strong possibility that the offense may be discovered-thereby limiting your job and educational opportunities.
Contact a qualified Chandler criminal lawyer right away if you face any type of underage drinking crime in Arizona. Our criminal lawyers have the experience and expertise needed to help in underage alcohol-related cases. Do not wait. When your rights are on the line, let us fight for you. Contact the Chandler criminal defense lawyers from Rosenstein Law Group today! Available 24/7 by calling (480) 248-7666.
