When it comes to drinking, there are a lot of laws to be aware of. One of the most important is the legal age of possession and consumption. If you break this law, you’ll need an attorney to avoid serious ramifications. The following guide offers some insight into this area, so you can protect your freedom and your future.

What Is Minor in Possession Law?

In Missouri, as well as every other state in the country, the legal drinking age is 21. As such, if anyone under this age is found in possession of or trying to purchase alcohol, they are breaking the law. Additionally, this law pertains to the supposed appearance of being drunk. For example, if a police officer stops an 18 year old who was exhibiting signs of having consumed alcohol, they would be going against minor in possession laws and would need a lawyer to prove their innocence and have the charges dropped.

In Missouri, there is only one, highly specific circumstance in which this law may not be applied. The only time someone under the age of 21 may not be breaking the law is if they are at least 18 years old and are required to taste an alcoholic beverage as part of a college-accredited course. 

What Are the Penalties? 

In Missouri, if you are found guilty of being in possession of alcohol as a minor, you could face serious consequences. The severity of your penalty will depend on whether this is your first or second offense. For first time offenders, penalties include a maximum fine of $300. After that, the fine increases to a maximum of $1,000, as well as up to one year of jail time. The best way to avoid these charges is to hire a defense attorney who can negotiate and advocate on your behalf. 

If you or a loved one is facing charges related to minors in possession of alcohol, turn to The Law Office of Christopher J. Swatosh. Located in Ava, MO, and serving all of Douglas County, attorney Swatosh offers two decades of experience helping clients in a wide variety of practice areas, including family, bankruptcy, personal injury, and criminal laws. Call (417) 683-2987 to schedule a consultation with this knowledgeable attorney today.