North Carolina has a zero-tolerance policy regarding underage drinking. Not only is it illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to consume alcohol — but it is also against the law for a minor to possess or purchase it. If your child received an underage drinking ticket, you may understandably be concerned. It’s important to be aware of the different types of tickets that can be issued, the consequences, and what you can do if your child is in this situation.

Know What Type of Underage Drinking Ticket Your Child Was Issued

An underage drinking ticket doesn’t only have to involve driving under the influence of alcohol. Although DWI offenses are the alcohol-related charges with which most people are familiar, there are many other types of tickets that a person under 21 can receive in connection with alcohol. In fact, simply having alcohol in one’s possession can lead to criminal charges, if a person is not yet 21 — regardless of whether they were intoxicated.

Specifically, individuals under the age of 21 can face criminal consequences for the following:

• Using false or fraudulent identification to purchase alcohol — It is against the law to use someone else’s identification to enter an establishment that sells alcohol or purchase alcoholic beverages.
• Helping another minor obtain alcohol — Minors who illegally assist other underage individuals with obtaining alcohol can be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor for aiding and abetting.
• Purchasing, possessing, or consuming alcohol — Buying, possessing, or drinking alcohol before the age of 21 can result in a Class 3 misdemeanor charge. It is not legal for minors to drink at public establishments, at a private party, or in their home.
• Driving with any amount of alcohol in their system — While the legal BAC is .08% for individuals over the age of 21, there is zero tolerance for minors who drive under the influence. In other words, any evidence of alcohol consumption can result in a conviction for those who are under 21.

North Carolina’s laws are strict when it comes to underage drinking — but there are a few exceptions to the rules. For instance, a person under 21 may consume wine for sacramental purposes in church. Alcohol consumption by minors is also permitted if they are enrolled in a licensed and accredited culinary program and such consumption is a necessary part of the curriculum. Additionally, a person under 21 can possess, transport, or dispense alcohol if they are employed by an establishment that is licensed to sell it.

Understand the Consequences of Underage Drinking

It’s crucial not to ignore your child’s underage drinking ticket, no matter how minor you might think it is — an underage drinking ticket is nothing to shrug off. Most alcohol-related offenses among those under 21 are charged as misdemeanors. Depending upon the offense, the penalties for underage drinking can range from jail time, loss of driving privileges, probation, community service, and monetary fines. Completion of an alcohol or substance abuse course might also be required.

Alcohol use among high school and college students can lead to a number of other issues besides legal problems, including academic problems, fighting, and drug use. In the event an alcohol-related offense happened on a college campus, the university may impose other penalties. In addition to criminal consequences, students may be subject to sanctions under the institution’s own alcohol policies. This can include limits being placed on financial aid, suspension, or expulsion.

A criminal conviction for an underage drinking offense can have lifelong consequences. It can appear on background checks for employment, impact one’s right to own a firearm, limit housing options, and result in the inability to obtain security clearance for certain types of employment. But it’s essential to understand that an arrest doesn’t always mean a conviction. With an experienced criminal defense attorney by your child’s side, it may be possible to have the charges reduced or dropped entirely.

What to Do After an Underage Drinking Ticket

While parents always want what is best for their children, it can be tempting to encourage them to take a guilty plea and pay the monetary fine. Unfortunately, this can have a lasting impact on their future — academically, professionally, and socially. The best course of action to take is to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can advise you and your child regarding their options. A good attorney will be able to assess the facts of the case and develop a comprehensive defense strategy.

Contact an Experienced Johnston County Criminal Defense Attorney

Learning that your child received an underage drinking ticket can be a stressful experience. It’s vital to have an attorney who can fight for their legal rights and help protect their future. The Johnston County criminal defense attorneys at Reece & Reece, Attorneys at Law provide aggressive advocacy for a wide range of alcohol-related charges, including underage drinking offenses and DWIs. Call (919) 300-1249 to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help.