In the state of New York, individuals under the age of 21 are prohibited from purchasing or possessing alcoholic beverages. Additionally, those over the age of 21 are prohibited from furnishing alcohol to minors. If you’re facing charges for an underage drinking-related offense, it’s wise to consult a criminal defense lawyer because a conviction could have lasting repercussions. 

What Are the Penalties for Underage Purchase?

If you’re under 21 and are accused of buying or attempting to buy alcohol, you could be fined up to $100 and ordered to complete up to 30 hours of community service—as long as it’s your first offense.

Second offenders face a fine of up to $350, while third offenders face a fine of up to $750. The latter must also complete an alcohol awareness course. Also, if you used a fake ID to obtain the alcohol, your license will be suspended, and you’ll have to pay an additional $100 to get it reinstated. 

What Are the Penalties for Underage Possession?

In New York, those under the age of 21 cannot possess alcohol that they intend to consume unless they’re enrolled in a course that’s recognized by the state education department that requires students to taste alcoholic beverages as part of the curriculum.

Possession is also acceptable if the individual’s parent or guardian provided the alcohol. Otherwise, though, it’s considered a civil offense. That means while you can’t be arrested for violating this law, you can still be summoned to appear in court. As such, you’ll want to consult a criminal defense lawyer, who can explain exactly what's at stake. Penalties usually include a fine of up to $50, the completion of an alcohol awareness course, and up to 30 hours of community service. 

What Are the Penalties for Underage Drinking & Driving?

While there’s no law that expressly prohibits the consumption of alcohol among those under 21 in New York, minors can get in serious trouble if they proceed to do something dangerous while under the influence. For example, New York has a zero-tolerance law prohibiting underage motorists from driving with any alcohol in their system whatsoever.

Suspects who register a BAC of between 0.02% and 0.05% face fines and a license suspension of at least six months. Those who register a BAC of between 0.05% and 0.08%, on the other hand, could face driving while ability impaired (DWAI) charges, which carry up to 15 days in jail. 

If you were charged with a crime related to underage drinking, turn to Larry R. Koss Law Firm for help building a defense. Led by a strategic criminal defense lawyer, this practice has been helping clients put their lives back together for more than 40 years. Based in Brockport, NY, they're proud to defend clients throughout Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, and Genesee counties. To learn more about Larry’s areas of expertise, visit his website. To schedule a free consultation with this knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer, call (585) 637-3961.