Minors in Possession, Consumption, & Impaired Driving (Alcohol)

A defendant who is younger than 17 years of age and is charged with an offense within the jurisdiction of the Municipal Courts must appar in open court and be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all appearances. A defendant younger than 21 charged with an offense related to alcohol must appear in open court. No options are available online, in person (at the window), or via phone. 

Minor in Possession/Consumption of Alcohol

If you're a minor (under 21) and found to be in possession of or have consumed alcohol, you may face the following penalties:

Up to a $500 fine

A 30-180 day driver license suspension

8 to 40 hours of community service

Mandatory alcohol-awareness classes

Any amount of beer, wine, or liquor can trigger these penalties. A second or third offense can lead to suspension of your driver license for 60 to 180 days. If you're 17 or older, you also can be fined as much as $2,000 and go to jail for up to 180 days for a third offense.

Minor Driving Under the Influence 

If you are under 21, it is illegal for you to drive with any detectable amount of alcohol in your system. The first time you are stopped for drinking and driving, you could face the following penalties:

Up to a $500 fine

A 60-day driver license suspension

20 to 40 hours of community service

Mandatory alcohol-awareness classes

If you're 17 or older and are pulled over for drinking and driving with a blood or breath alcohol concentration of .08 or greater, you could face:

Up to a $2,000 fine

Three to 180 days in jail

A driver's license suspension for 90 days to a year

The penalties increase for additional offenses.