If I’m 20 years old and have a court date for minor possession of alcohol coming up, what will I get?
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If I’m 20 years old and have a court date for minor possession of alcohol coming up, what will I get?
Asked on August 10, 2011 Indiana
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
In. Code Section 7.1-5-7-7, it is a Class C misdemeanor for a minor to knowingly:
- an alcoholic beverage;
- consume it; or
- transport it on a public highway when not accompanied by at least 1 of their parents or guardians.
If a minor is found to have violated the law regarding illegal possession and they did so while operating a motor vehicle, the court may order the minor's driver's license suspended for up to 1 year. However, if the minor is less than 18 years of age, the court shall order the minor's driver's license suspended for at least 60 days. Additionally, the court shall deliver any order suspending the minor's driver's license under this section to the bureau of motor vehicles, which shall suspend the minor's driver's license for the period ordered by the court.
Bottom line, this is both a civil and criminal offense. And it can have far reaching consequences regarding employment, professional licensing, school loans and even the ability to rent an apartment, etc. At this point,you should speak with a criminal law attorney who specializes in the area. They may be able to get the charge withdrawn or possibly reduced.
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