A minor in possession charge can seem, well, minor. However, the last thing a young person needs is an alcohol-related charge on their record. When you receive a Notice to Appear for possession of alcoholic beverages under the age of 21, you have an official court summons before you.
The maximum penalty for a first-time offender is a second degree misdemeanor. Though the judge and prosecutor may be lenient on a first-time offender, it is best to consult a criminal defense lawyer before your court date.
Defense Lawyer for Minor in Possession in Palm Beach County
The best outcome would be avoiding court. Meltzer & Bell, P.A. will review your notice, story, and evidence and seek to have the minor in possession charges dismissed or deferred immediately.
If you or your loved one has received a Notice to Appear for possession of alcohol under 21 years in West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, Boca Raton, Jupiter, Delray Beach, Lake Worth, Wellington, or Royal Palm Beach, Meltzer & Bell, P.A. can get you a better outcome than confronting the court alone.
Possession of Alcoholic Beverages by Persons Under 21 – Fla. Stat. § 562.111(1)
If you are found with alcoholic beverages in any amount under the age of 21, you may be charged under this statute. Although police officers may not wish to take someone under arrest for this offense, a Notice to Appear is equivalent to an arrest. If you miss a court date, a warrant will be issued for your arrest with a bond requirement.
Before your court date, a defense lawyer may be able to sway the state prosecutor to drop the charge. The presence of a defense lawyer at court may lead to your paying a fine in return for a cleared criminal record.
Keep in mind that the court has the authority to send a convicted person to jail for 60 days and institute a fine of $500 as the most extreme penalty. In addition, a first-offender may lose their driver’s license for six months to one year.
Minor in Alcohol Possession Defense Lawyer
Criminal records can negatively affect your chances with colleges, financial aid providers, and employers at this important time in your life. Meltzer & Bell, P.A. is the partnership of attorneys Lawrence Meltzer and Steven Bell, who will dedicate themselves and their years of experience to your case. Our priority is to resolve these charges against you, remove them from your record, and help you move on.
As soon as you receive a Notice to Appear, call (561) 557-8686 to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled criminal defense attorneys.
