In the United States, it’s illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase or consume alcohol. Each state has its own regulations in place for this rule, and due to the dangers of underage drinking, North Carolina has stricter penalties than many other states. If you or a loved one has been charged with an underage alcohol violation, here are a few things to expect.

What Are the Most Common Underage Alcohol Violations?

North Carolina insists on no exceptions to underage alcohol violations. This includes underage possession of alcohol, consumption of alcohol, purchase of alcohol, and furnishing alcohol to minors. A minor could be charged with internal possession of alcohol if they fail to pass a sobriety test. Using a fake ID to purchase alcohol is a criminal offense, and may result in the suspension of your driver’s license. As with adults, driving under the influence is also a serious offense. Although the blood alcohol content (BAC) level for drivers over 21 is 0.08, drivers under the age of 21 cannot have a BAC higher than 0.00.

How Are They Penalized?

Anyone under the age of 21 who is caught purchasing, trying to purchase, or possessing alcohol is charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor. If the individual is convicted, their driver’s license will be automatically revoked. If a 19- or 20-year-old is caught in possession of beer or wine, they can be charged with a Class 3 misdemeanor, which results in a revoked license and a fine of up to $200. Someone convicted of aiding the sale or provision of alcohol to a minor is given a $500 fine and 25 hours of community service.

Judges take underage alcohol violations seriously, so it’s important to have an attorney represent you with the charge. The team at Wood & Rabil LLP Attorneys at Law has almost 80 years of combined experience and is committed to providing the highest quality support for clients throughout Winston-Salem, NC, and the surrounding counties. Their full-service firm handles everything from traffic law violations to criminal law. Contact them online or call (336) 722-5700 to schedule a free consultation today.