Alcohol is often the first unlawful substance (for underage drinkers, anyway) that teenagers try. Given that alcohol is legal for adults to possess and consume, many teenagers believe that they can experiment without facing any consequences.
However, anyone under the legal drinking age could face criminal charges if caught physically possessing alcohol or under the influence of alcohol. Minor in possession charges can carry much more serious penalties than teenagers might initially expect.
Prior offenses can worsen the penalties
Florida has a graduated sentencing system that imposes more serious consequences on individuals who repeatedly violate the same statutes. Minors accused of possessing alcohol face the most lenient consequences after a first offense and harsher consequences after subsequent offenses.
A minor in possession offense is a misdemeanor crime. The degree of the offense depends on the defendant’s history. A first charge is usually a second-degree misdemeanor that carries up to six months of probation, 60 days in jail and up to $500 in fines. The accused young adult could lose their driver’s license for between six and 12 months.
Any subsequent offense is a first-degree misdemeanor. The penalties could include up to a year in jail, a year of probation and $1,000 in fines. The driver’s license suspension imposed could last up to two years. The record of the offense can also impact a young adult’s educational prospects and ability to secure gainful employment.
Juvenile defendants accused of alcohol crimes often need help understanding their circumstances and responding appropriately. Reviewing the details of a minor in possession charge with a criminal defense attorney could help diminish the lasting consequences of an underage alcohol offense.