Common Offenses Involving Minors 
And Alcohol

Within this county, hundreds of minors are charged with alcohol-related offenses each year. The attorneys at Arnold Terrill Ridenour, P.C., in Fort Wayne, have been representing young adults in criminal courts for many years. We take pride in protecting and explaining the rights of our clients. Good kids make mistakes, and we are here to help.

Was your child charged with minor consumption of alcohol? The lawyer you hire will make a difference. Call our law firm at (888) 912-7220.

Indiana Underage Drinking Laws

Under Indiana Code 7.1-5-7-7, possession of alcohol by a minor is also known as "Minor Consuming." An underage person can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor for knowingly possessing or consuming an alcoholic beverage. If the offense is committed while operating a motor vehicle, a court may order the minor's driver's license suspended for up to one year.

What Are The Penalties For Underage Drinking?

The punishments for misdemeanor alcohol-related offenses include but are not limited to jail time, alcohol counseling, license suspensions, and community service. For purposes of this discussion, a minor is a person at least eighteen years (18) of age, but less than twenty-one (21) years of age. Minors under the age of eighteen (18) who are charged with an alcohol-related offense may appear in the appropriate juvenile court. For more information about juvenile-related offenses and the juvenile justice system, please contact our office.

Simple Possession Is Enough

The state bears the burden to prove that you are a minor and that you possessed, consumed or transported alcohol in Allen County. The state is not required to prove intoxication with this charge. "Alcohol" is defined under Indiana law as: any liquid or solid that (1) contains one-half percent (0.5 percent) or more alcohol by volume; (2) is fit for human consumption; and (3) is reasonably likely, or intended, to be used as a beverage (I.C. 9-13-2-2.3).

Indiana Underage Drinking Laws

I.C. 7.1-5-7-10 prohibits a minor from entering any bar, tavern or public place where alcoholic beverages are sold or furnished. This offense is a Class C misdemeanor punishable up to sixty (60) days in jail upon conviction.

Additionally, a conviction for this offense might result in a driver's license suspension for a minimum of ninety (90) days and up to one (1) year (see I.C. 9-24-18-8 and/or 9-30-4-9). I.C. 7.1-5-7-11, however, sets forth many exempt locations where alcohol is served, such as a civic center, sports arena, recreational facility, restaurant or passenger airplane.

Fake ID Laws

I.C. 7.1-5-7-1 and 7.1-5-7-2 address offenses relating to the use and furnishing of false or altered driver's licenses (commonly referred to as "fake i.d."). A person commits a Class C infraction when he or she presents or sells or gives to another a false identification or driver's license for the purpose of purchasing or attempting to obtain an alcoholic beverage. A person found in violation of these provisions will also lose his or her driver's license for a minimum of ninety (90) days and up to one (1) year (see I.C. 9-24-18-8 and/or 9-30-4-9).

Contact Defense Attorneys Who Understand The Needs Of Juvenile Defenders

Should you or someone you know have any questions about the information stated above, please contact Arnold Terrill Ridenour, P.C., or call (888) 912-7220, and an attorney will be excited to speak with you.