School is out for summer, which inevitably results in the increase of minors (those under the age of 21) getting into trouble with the law for alcohol related offenses. Chances are, if you or your child has just received a police summons for underage drinking, whether it be possession, or furnishing (providing alcohol to a minor), this experience may be your first involvement with law enforcement and the District Attorney’s office. Underage drinking and underage possession laws should be treated seriously – convictions are part of a lifelong public record, so it is wise to have peace of mind and be fully informed of your rights before you make any decisions.
If a minor is under 18, possession or underage drinking charges will be prosecuted as a juvenile criminal charge. If the minor is between the ages of 18 and 21, then underage possession or underage drinking charges will be prosecuted in a public court of law as an adult civil charge, unless there is other associated criminal conduct such as an Underage OUI. Any convictions in the adult court will become part of the minor’s public record that can last a lifetime.
As a parent, you may have concerns about how a conviction for a minor in possession of alcohol will impact your child’s future, such as adverse effects on future employment, sporting activities, scholarships, college applications, and if your child is enrolled in college, perhaps issues with your College or University’s Student Conduct Committee. As a minor, you may have the same exact concerns that your parents do, or you may just be concerned about your parents! Either way, it is important to be aware of Maine’s Underage Alcohol Possession laws and consult with an attorney who can help you navigate through this stressful time. An experienced attorney will help you understand whether you can fight the charge, such as whether any of your Constitutional Rights were violated that could result in a dismissal, or whether you can “work off” the charge and have it dismissed through community service or substance abuse treatment or counseling. The worst thing you can do is ignore the charges – underage drinking charges don’t just go away.
If you have been charged or summonsed for underage drinking or underage possession of alcohol, you still have rights. Our office provides free and confidential case consultations for those in need of criminal defense representation. Give us a call today at 207-591-5747 to schedule your free case consultation.
– Posted by Attorney Kristen R. Dorion
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