Under Wis. Stat. § 125.07, minors are prohibited from possessing alcohol. Any minor who attempts to procure alcohol or who does procure alcohol is violating the law and is subject to penalties. A first violation can mean fines up to $500, a suspension of driving privileges, and mandatory participation in a supervised work program or other form of community service. A second, third or further violation of the state’s drinking laws will carry even more severe penalties, including increased fines, longer periods of license suspension and other punishments. Has your child been arrested and charged with underage possession of alcohol? Call upon Cafferty & Scheidegger in Racine and Kenosha to get help from a qualified juvenile crime attorney–the earlier the better.
Parents can face legal repercussions if they are accused of providing alcohol or of allowing alcohol to be consumed by minors. The law clearly states that adults cannot “permit or fail to take action to prevent the illegal consumption of alcohol beverages by an underage person on premises owned by the adult or under the adult’s control.” You may believe that your teenagers might drink alcohol and that they are therefore safer doing so in your own home, but if you allow them to do so, you could be facing charges. If convicted, the penalties can include fines up to $500 (per violation) and imprisonment for up to 30 days in jail.
Facing Charges for Underage Possession of Alcohol?
A charge associated with underage drinking can lead to consequences for both the underage person and the individual who supplied the alcoholic beverage, sold it, or allowed it to be consumed. Such a charge requires at least one court appearance and carries the threat of conviction. Your most important decision now is about the lawyer you retain to help you seek to avoid serious penalties.
How Our Firm Can Help
Attorney Patrick K. Cafferty of Cafferty & Scheidegger Firm brings some impressive credentials to the table to serve you and to protect your interests. We are listed in Wisconsin Super Lawyers® for years 2008 to present, and have the highest possible rating of AV Preeminent® from Martindale-Hubbell®, as well as having been listed in Best Lawyers in America for Criminal Defense. The quality of your counsel has everything to do with the outcome of your case. We invite you to reach out to us and speak with us. There may be defense opportunities that could be employed and allow you to avoid conviction, or lead to a dismissed charge. Only a true legal professional can correctly advise you.
Call now, and get the professional legal help you deserve from our team of criminal attorneys. Your case matters. Call our firm before you make the decision to plead guilty. The level of penalties imposed can vary widely, and are often up to the discretion of the judge. Get an attorney that knows the system, is well-connected, and knows what it takes to defend against the charges of a minor in possession of alcohol.
Sources:
- Wisconsin Statutes: Underage Possession of Alcohol
