Galveston Underage Drinking

Criminal Lawyers Serving Galveston

For Galveston teenagers, drinking may provide a way to lower their inhibitions and to fit in with their peers. While they may insist that ‘everyone is doing it’, the fact is underage drinking is a crime in Texas. Being caught using or even attempting to purchase alcohol can end up resulting in serious penalties, including a loss of their freedom and a criminal record. At Scott M. Brown & Associates, our Galveston criminal defense lawyers take underage drinking charges seriously and provide the aggressive legal representation you need to protect your child against a conviction.

Underage Drinking In Galveston

Underage drinking is a major issue in Galveston, one that local non-profit groups and law enforcement routinely partner to address. The Bay Area Council on Alcohol and Drugs (BACODA) works with the Galveston police department to raise awareness in the community regarding the dangers of alcohol use among young people and how to prevent it.

While these programs are aimed at encouraging and supporting young people in refusing to engage in underage drinking, the fact is this type of behavior increases the risk of accidents and injuries and there are severe penalties teen and anyone under the age of 21 could face if they are caught. Under Chapter 106 of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, there are numerous offenses involving underage drinking that are outlined. These include:

• Purchase or attempted purchase of alcohol by a minor;
• Possession of alcoholic beverages;
• Underage alcohol consumption;
• Misrepresentation of age by a minor;
• Driving a motor vehicle or operating a watercraft under the influence.

These are all serious offenses that could result in a criminal record, impacting your child’s educational opportunities and limiting their options with employers and others in the community.

Penalties for Offenses Involving Alcohol and Minors

If your child has been charged with underage drinking, it is important to contact our Galveston criminal defense lawyers at Scott M. Brown & Associates as soon as possible. Many schools, college campuses, and sports programs have zero tolerance when it comes to underage drinking and these types of charges alone may be grounds for them to be barred from different programs.

In addition to preventing these types of impacts, you need aggressive legal representation to prevent the serious penalties outlined under the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code and the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure which can result from an underage drinking conviction. Generally classified as misdemeanor crimes, possible punishment includes:

• Fines of up to $2,000;
• Up to 40 hours of mandatory participation in community service programs;
• Mandatory attendance and payment for alcohol and drug education classes;
• Confinement in jail or in a juvenile facility for up to 180 days;
• Up to 180 days driver’s license suspension.

These are all serious criminal penalties, which require the skill of a knowledgeable and experienced Texas criminal defense lawyer.

Reach Out To Our Galveston Criminal Defense Lawyers

To prevent the potentially serious consequences and penalties that can result from an underage drinking conviction, reach out and contact Scott M. Brown & Associates today. We can arrange a consultation with our Galveston criminal defense attorney, who can help protect your rights while helping you strategize a strong legal defense. Call or contact us online today.