Young people often experiment with alcohol, and when they get caught, they might face criminal or juvenile delinquency charges.
The attorneys at the Ghanouni Teen and Young Adult Defense Firm focus on preserving the futures of young people accused of crimes. Our legal team could help you or your loved one during this stressful time.
Contact the Smyrna underage possession of alcohol lawyers at our firm to learn how we can help you through the criminal or juvenile process to minimize the potential long-term consequences of the charge.
Under most circumstances, the legal age to consume alcoholic beverages in Georgia is 21. Someone under 21 may not knowingly possess alcohol or attempt to purchase it, with limited exceptions.
The Official Code of Georgia § 3-3-23 describes the crime and its exceptions.
It is not illegal for a minor to drink alcohol when:
Note, however, that if a minor consumes alcohol in someone else’s home, they are breaking the law, even if they have their parent’s permission.
A Smyrna attorney could assist a young person and their family in resolving minor in possession charges with as little impact on the young person’s permanent record as possible.
As the name implies, only teens and minors under 21 can face charges of being a minor in possession of alcohol. However, the age of the young person makes a difference in how the case is handled.
A young person who is 16 and under would face charges in the juvenile justice system. Juvenile court requires appearances before a judge, and the young person is entitled to legal representation. The juvenile system emphasizes rehabilitation and early intervention, and cases often can be resolved without creating a permanent criminal record.
Anyone 17 or older must go through the adult criminal courts. A conviction on an MIP charge could lead to a permanent entry on the young person’s criminal record.
At our firm, our Smyrna attorneys have experience handling both the juvenile and adult justice systems and have a working knowledge of the intricacies of how underage possession of alcohol charges are handled in either circumstance.
When a young person and their parents consult with the team at the Ghanouni Teen and Young Adult Defense Firm, we take the time to get to know them and their goals for the future, both short- and long-term.
We look carefully at the accused’s version of events and consider the evidence the prosecutor might have. Then, we work together to create a defense strategy.
If the accused has not been in trouble with the law before and if there are no serious additional charges, we can often negotiate alternatives that will not result in a criminal conviction. Of course, when the evidence is weak, or our client is not guilty, defending the charge at trial might be the better resolution.
In many cases, there will be consequences, but often not the kind that prevents a young person from moving forward with their goals. When a crime involves drugs or alcohol, judges often require a young person to undergo a substance abuse evaluation and perhaps complete an alcohol or drug awareness education course.
These can benefit the young person. Judges also often impose requirements to be on probation, be drug and alcohol tested, pay fines and fees, or perform community service.
Getting in trouble with the law is unnerving. When you or your loved one is facing criminal or juvenile charges, you may be uncertain about what steps to take or what effect it will have on your future.
Our team understands the potentially devastating long-term effects of a criminal conviction and will employ all our knowledge and skills to avoid it. Contact us to schedule a time to speak with a member of our legal team, where we can see if working together is a good fit.
For those charged in adult courts, the penalties for underage alcohol possession in Georgia can involve jail time, fines, probation, community service, a substance abuse evaluation, and any recommended treatment, and having a criminal record. For those charged in juvenile courts, jail time and an adult criminal record are not typically penalties.
Yes. Georgia law allows parents to furnish alcohol to their children in their private residence as long as the parent or legal guardian provides the alcohol and is present during consumption. However, providing alcohol to teens other than one’s own children violates Georgia law.
In Georgia, first-time underage alcohol offenses are usually misdemeanors, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $300 fine.
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