What arethe possible penaltiesfor underage consumption?
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What arethe possible penaltiesfor underage consumption?
I am 18. Some friends and I threw a party on private land that wasn’t ours (owner is not pressing charges) and I blew a 0.04 reading. I was charged with underage consumption; my bail was $50. So what are the possible punishments for my 1st offense? Can I do community service instead?
Asked on July 5, 2011 under Criminal Law, Alabama
Answers:
MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
Depending on if the crime is considered a misdemeanor (most likely) or a felony, you can probably be convicted with several hundred dollars in fines and or jail time that probably doesn't exceed six months. Consider an alternative conviction or delayed conviction if the programs are available in your state. Basically, you agree to stay out of trouble and not be charged or convicted of any other crime for a certain period of time, and the judge can then essentially dismiss the case. After the dismissal, you would need to hire a criminal defense attorney to help you seal and or expunge the criminal record, especially if the arrest if any is on record and any other court proceedings. Such alternatives most likely include community service. You are very lucky that the owner of the property did not press trespassing charges on you, but that may be to your advantage in obtaining a non traditional result, especially if you do not have any other previous criminal history (as a minor or as an adult).
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