Frisco, TX Minor in Possession of Alcohol Attorneys

Experienced Lawyers Defending Minors Charged With Alcohol-Related Offenses in Frisco, Texas

There are many situations where minors who are under the age of 21 could be arrested for underage drinking or other related offenses. These matters are treated seriously by law enforcement and prosecutors in Frisco and throughout Texas. While many of these cases do not involve violence or injuries, the legal consequences can still be significant. Even a single citation or criminal charge for underage drinking or possession of alcohol may impact a young person's education, their driving privileges, and their future employment opportunities.

The attorneys at Barbieri Law Firm defend minors who have been accused of alcohol-related offenses while focusing on protecting their rights and their futures. These cases can be difficult for families, especially when a minor's actions were based on peer pressure, lack of understanding, or an isolated mistake. Our lawyers work to resolve these matters efficiently while minimizing the long-term consequences that may affect minors.

Common Alcohol-Related Offenses for Minors in Texas

Texas law prohibits the possession, consumption, and purchase of alcohol by people who are under the age of 21. Violations of these laws may result in criminal charges or juvenile court proceedings, depending on the age of the minor and the specific circumstances of the case. Common offenses related to alcohol that may apply to minors include:

• Possession of Alcohol by a Minor: A person under the age of 21 who is found to be in possession of an alcoholic beverage may face criminal charges or a juvenile delinquency adjudication. This offense does not require a minor to be drinking or holding an open container—mere possession can be enough to support a charge.
• Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor: If a minor drinks an alcoholic beverage, even in a private setting, they may be charged with this offense. Charges may apply even if the alcohol was provided by someone else or consumed without the minor understanding the legal implications. However, minors may be allowed to drink alcohol in the presence of their parent or guardian.
• Purchase or Attempted Purchase of Alcohol by a Minor: Minors may face charges if they attempt to buy alcohol themselves or through another person. Trying to use someone else's ID or making the purchase with the help of an adult can lead to additional charges.
• Use of a Fake ID: Presenting false identification to purchase alcohol, enter a bar, or misrepresent one's age may be a separate offense that could apply in addition to charges of underage drinking.
• Driving Under the Influence by a Minor: Any amount of alcohol in a minor's system while they are driving a motor vehicle could lead to charges of underage DWI. While these charges may be less serious than adult DWI charges, they can still result in serious penalties, especially for a second or subsequent offense.

Penalties for Minors Charged With Alcohol Offenses

The legal consequences for underage drinking or possession of alcohol may depend on the specific charge and whether a minor has any previous convictions. In most cases, a first or second offense will be classified as a Class C misdemeanor, and a conviction may require a minor to pay a fine of up to $500. The minor may also be required to perform community service, and their driver's license or permit may be suspended. They may also be required to complete educational programs on alcohol awareness and substance misuse.

A third or subsequent offense may lead to more serious penalties. In these cases, a minor may face fines of between $250 and $2,000, and they could be sentenced to up to 180 days in jail.

In situations where a minor is under the age of 17, a case will typically be handled in juvenile court as a delinquency matter. For minors 17 and older, the charge may be processed through the adult criminal system as a Class C misdemeanor. Even though many alcohol-related offenses are considered to be relatively minor, they can still result in a permanent criminal record if they are not handled properly.

Representing Minors Accused of Alcohol-Related Offenses

The attorneys at Barbieri Law Firm will take a proactive approach to protect minors who are facing alcohol-related charges. We will work to help minors avoid long-term consequences through early intervention, diversion programs, or deferred disposition agreements.

When defending minors in these cases, our lawyers may take the following steps:

• Evaluating whether a traffic stop or another situation in which a minor was stopped and/or searched by police was conducted lawfully
• Determining if the minor's rights were violated during an arrest or questioning by police
• Seeking a dismissal of charges in cases involving first-time offenders or weak evidence
• Negotiating for deferred adjudication or diversion programs that will allow charges to be dismissed after a minor completes certain requirements
• Advocating for the expunction of records when possible to prevent future employers, schools, or licensing boards from accessing information about the incident

Contact Our Frisco, TX Juvenile Alcohol Offenses Lawyers

When a child has been accused of an alcohol-related offense, the team at Barbieri Law Firm can help a family determine the best steps to take to minimize the effects of these charges and prevent a child from suffering long-term consequences. Contact our Frisco minor alcohol possession defense attorneys at 972-424-1902 to set up a free consultation.