Underage Possession & Consumption of Alcohol Charges

minor driving under the influence

According to the Texas Alcohol Beverage Code, a minor is defined as someone under 21 years of age. If you meet this definition and are charged with alcohol possession, or you’re an adult charged with furnishing alcohol to a minor, you could face serious criminal penalties, such as fines and jail time. That’s why you need the Austin, TX DWI defense attorneys at Minton, Bassett, Flores & Carsey, P.C.

Call us today at (512) 476-4873 or contact us through our online form.

Our criminal defense lawyers handle alcohol-related offenses in Hays, Bastrop, Caldwell, Burnet, Comal, Travis and Williamson counties. We will defend your rights and reputation.

Potential Criminal Charges for Adults If They Give Alcohol to Minors

The following are potential punishments faced by adults charged with alcohol-related offenses involving a minor:

Sale of alcohol to a minor

  • Up to one year in prison;
  • $4,000 maximum fine.

Purchase of alcohol for a minor

Unless the person is the adult parent, legal guardian or spouse of the minor and the minor consumes the alcohol in his or her presence, a person who purchases alcohol for a minor may be charged with a Class B misdemeanor.

Potential Criminal Charges for Minors Consuming Alcohol

The following are potential punishments faced by minors charged with alcohol-related offenses, including DWI or DUI, in Texas.

Purchase of alcohol / attempt to purchase by a minor

  • Suspension of driver’s license for 30 days for a first offense, 60 days for a second offense and 180 days for a third offense;
  • Community service; and
  • Alcohol-awareness course.

A minor who has been previously convicted of an alcohol offense faces more severe penalties, including:

  • 180 days confinement; and
  • $250 to $2,000 fine.

Consumption / Possession of alcohol by a minor

The same penalties as for purchase, unless the minor consumes or possesses the alcohol in the presence of an adult parent, legal guardian or spouse.