Illinois has very strict laws that govern minors and alcohol. Anyone under age 21 can be convicted of a crime just for holding alcohol, even if they never drink a sip. The consequences for any convictions relating to being a minor and drinking or possessing alcohol can impact your life even after you have completed any criminal sentence.
Types of Crimes Relating to Minors and Alcohol
The most basic crime involving being a minor and having alcohol is called minor in possession of alcohol. If you are under 21 and you have any alcohol in your possession, you can be convicted of a misdemeanor. There are two major exceptions to this law. One exception is possessing alcohol as part of a religious ceremony, and the other is possessing or consuming alcohol under the supervision of a parent.
Another crime is furnishing alcohol to a minor. If you give alcohol to someone under the age of 21 you can be convicted of this crime, even if you are also under 21 years of age.
If you are under 21 and have any alcohol in your system at all while you are driving, you can be convicted of a crime. This is part of Illinois’s zero tolerance program.
Possessing a fake identification card is also a crime. Even if you don’t ever use the fake document, creating one or having one is a crime.
What Happens When You Are Convicted of Under Age Drinking?
Most crimes relating to minors and alcohol are misdemeanors. This means they are punishable by a maximum of less than a year in jail. Most of the time people convicted of these crimes serve little jail time and are given strict probation conditions instead.
There are also fines that will have to be paid. Certain crimes will also require extensive community service and may require a trip to a morgue to help offenders better understand the possible consequences of their actions.
Other Effects of a Conviction on Your Future
One major consequence that many people are not aware of when they plead guilty to a crime relating to a fake identification card or being a minor in possession of alcohol is that they will also have their license suspended. The length of the suspension varies depending on several factors.
Once you have a criminal conviction, even for something you may consider to be not a big deal, you may have difficulty getting a job. It can even impact your ability to find housing later on.
If you, or your child, has been charged with any crimes relating to being a minor in possession of alcohol, including possessing a fake identification card, you need to understand your rights and the seriousness of the situation. Contact us right away to talk with a Chicago criminal defense attorney experienced in dealing with minor in possession of alcohol cases. Call Glasgow & Olsson today at 847.577.8700 to schedule a consultation at our Schaumburg, Illinois office.
Sources:
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=023500050K6-16