CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Los Angeles Furnishing or Selling Alcohol to Minors

The Severe Consequences of Selling or Giving Alcohol to a Minor

In the United States, all states take the crime of selling or giving alcohol to minors seriously. Severe penalties are necessary to prevent such criminal acts from happening in the future. If you are facing charges for these types of offenses in the state of California, our team of experienced attorneys is here to help you.

The Crime of Providing Alcohol to Minors

California’s drinking age is 21, and it is illegal for anyone under that age to consume, possess or purchase alcohol. A person can be charged with a criminal offense if they provide alcohol to a minor. The accused party can be a store cashier, a clerk, a store owner, or someone who sells alcoholic beverages at a bar or restaurant.

It is worth mentioning that many stores take precautions to prevent such cases by asking for identification from everyone who appears to be under a certain age. However, if the defendant manages to sell or give alcohol to a minor, the consequences can be severe.

Furnishing Alcohol to Minors

Minors often pressure adults to buy alcohol for them since they know it is illegal. Furnishing alcohol to minors is a criminal offense that involves purchasing alcoholic beverages and giving them to a minor. This crime also applies to businesses that allow minors free access to alcohol. Police officers sometimes pose as minors or conduct investigations to detect this type of behavior.

Penalties for Selling Alcohol to Minors

One of the most severe penalties for selling alcohol to minors is the loss of the business’s liquor license. Moreover, the cashier or person who sold or provided the alcoholic beverages to a minor may be sentenced to spend up to six months in jail and pay a fine of up to $1,000. A conviction can cause significant problems in obtaining future employment, renting an apartment, and other life necessities.

If you are facing charges for distributing alcohol to minors, you must speak with a skilled attorney to protect yourself effectively.

Penalties for Giving Alcohol to Minors

Distributing alcohol to minors can have harsh consequences. The defendant could be sentenced to spend up to six months in jail, pay up to $1,000 in fines, and perform community service. The same applies to parents allowing their children to drink alcohol in their homes.

How an Attorney Can Help

Facing charges of selling alcohol to minors or providing alcohol to them can be an overwhelming experience. A skilled and experienced attorney can assist you in building an effective defense to reduce, dismiss or completely eliminate your charges.

One strategy that scamming accusers usually use is that the minor has produced a fake ID. However, an expert lawyer can help you present a valid defense that can satisfy the judge’s concerns. For instance, entrapment, which occurs when police officers trick someone into committing a crime, can be used as a defense to find an acquittal.

A reliable lawyer can argue from all angles and find legal loopholes and other weaknesses in the case that can lead to the dismissal of the charges. In case everything else fails, an attorney can help you negotiate a less harsh sentence.

In the end, whether you are being accused of selling or distributing alcohol to minors or are worried about the risk of conviction due to allegations, our proficient law firm is accessible to provide you with a free consultation with experienced attorneys who can help. Contact us now to fight for your rights and avoid the possible penalties associated with these charges.

Table: Penalties for Selling, Giving Alcohol to Minors in California

| Offence | Penalties |
|:———————————|:——————–:|
| Selling Alcohol to a Minor | Up to 6 Months in Jail and $1,000 Fine |
| Giving Alcohol to a Minor | Up to 6 Months in Jail, $1,000 Fine, and Community Service |
| Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor | Criminal Charges, License Revocation, and more |

How to Prevent Selling, Giving Alcohol to Minors

Here are a few recommendations to help prevent selling and distributing alcohol to minors:

1. Train Your Employees: If you own a business that sells alcohol, it is vital to train your employees on how to check IDs correctly.

2. Create A Safe Environment: Have an environment that is safe and free from indulgent drinking.

3. Keep an Eagle Eye: Check IDs of all customers who appear to be under 30 years of age.

4. Don’t Get Trapped: Do not sell or distribute alcohol to those who are underage, even if their peer pressure is too high.

By implementing these measures, you can help prevent minors from obtaining alcohol from your establishment and avoid facing harsh penalties that may jeopardize your business, employment and personal life.