Wheaton Lawyers Fighting Charges Of Underage Drinking Throughout Northern Illinois
In Illinois, if you are under the age of 21, it is illegal to possess or consume alcohol. It is a Class A misdemeanor, for which you could be sentenced to one year in jail and fined up to $2,500.
The state also employs a “zero tolerance law” for transporting or possessing alcohol in a car, whereby your driver’s license will be suspended for three to 12 months, regardless of how much (or how little) alcohol is in your system. State law does not require that the alcohol be found on your person, but simply that you have the intent and capability of possessing it. Thus, if it is in the back of your car, you can still be charged with possession, even if a passenger in your car is holding the bottle.
Any trace amount of alcohol in your system is enough to cause the suspension of your license and upon subsequent convictions, your license can even be revoked. Penalties can include court supervision, probation, community service, and home detention. Minors possessing or attempting to use a fake identification (ID) to obtain alcohol can have their driver’s license suspended or revoked. If you or a loved one is facing charges for underage drinking, our attorneys at Beck & Houlihan, P.C., are prepared to advocate zealously on your behalf to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the entire legal process. Our attorneys can provide experienced guidance and advice when juveniles face serious criminal penalties.
Adults Who Serve Alcohol to Minors
Adults who serve liquor to minors or knowingly allow them to consume liquor on their property or another private residence face serious legal consequences in Illinois. You can face up to one year in jail and a fine of $2,500 for a misdemeanor offense, and $25,000 for a felony offense. For a business that holds a liquor license, its license may be revoked and criminal sanctions imposed. The penalty is a $500-$2,500 minimum fine and a sentence of up to one year in jail if you knowingly allow underage drinking to take place at a private residence. If there is a serious injury or death due to this activity, you could be charged with a Class 4 felony and face up to three years in prison, and a $25,000 fine.
If you are a minor and have been charged with illegal possession, consumption or transportation of alcohol, you need to seek the advice of our experienced attorneys. It is crucial that you understand your rights, particularly since some juvenile crimes (such as driving under the influence, also called DUI) cannot be expunged from your record. Contact Beck & Houlihan, P.C., in Wheaton at 630-398-3185 or via our online form. We represent clients in DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties.