What to Do If You Get Caught Drinking Underage in Utah

The law in Utah specifies that a person under the age of 21 may not have a measurable amount of alcohol in their body. If that is the case, they can be charged with the crime of “minor in possession.” This is especially troubling because the punishment isn’t even the lowest level of misdemeanor (class C).

Since the drinking age is 21, but you are considered an adult for most things in the eyes of the law at age 18, there are a lot of legal issues you may find yourself dealing with if you choose to drink in high school or college.

The crime of minor in possession is a class B misdemeanor, meaning if you are caught and charged, you could face a maximum penalty of up to 6 months in jail and/or be fined up to $1,000. Not to mention your driver’s license could be suspended. This is why it’s crucial to find an experienced lawyer to defend you if you are charged with underage drinking.

Experience You Can Trust Defending Your Underage Drinking Charges

The laws in Utah don’t only apply to having a measurable amount of alcohol in your body. You could also be charged with a class B misdemeanor if you are caught purchasing alcohol, attempting to purchase alcohol, soliciting another person to purchase alcohol, possessing alcohol, and the list goes on.

To protect your future, it’s important that you have an experienced lawyer who knows the most effective defense strategies to fight back against underage drinking charges. The legal team at Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat is prepared to handle any and every kind of case involving underage drinking laws in Utah. Our expert team has experience protecting people against the following crimes (and more):

  • Misuse of alcohol by a minor
  • Minor in possession of alcohol
  • Minor purchasing or attempting to purchase alcohol
  • Minor misrepresenting their age to obtain alcohol
  • Minor in possession of alcohol in a limousine or chartered bus
  • Unlawful admit/attempt to gain admit by minor in a bar
  • Unlawful use of proof of age (ID)

Preparing For Your Case

With nearly two decades of experience defending underage clients against all kinds of alcohol charges, you can be sure we will look into every detail of your case and prepare a solid defense. If you want to do some of your own research on Utah’s underage drinking laws and penalties, you can visit our minor in possession of alcohol page to find more information.

Finding A Defense Lawyer for Your Underage Drinking Charges In Utah

Whether you need help with a class B misdemeanor from an alcohol possession or consumption charge or for more severe felony charges—including drinking and driving—the lawyers at Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat will work hard to defend your rights and help you navigate the criminal justice system and get you back on track for a successful future.

Give us a call at (801) 532-5297 so we can start working on your case today.

More Articles

3 Big Ways to Make the Most of Your Prison Time in Utah
If you have been sentenced to a prison term, the best thing to do is make the most of whatever time you serve—even if you plan to file an appeal. Focusing on what you can control and working to improve your circumstance will help you stay hopeful and resilient. While we acknowledge the flaws in the prison system and continue to fight for improvements, there are still positive opportunities for those serving time in Utah’s prisons. According to the Utah Department of Corrections website, 95% of those who leave the prison system lead successful, crime-free lives after they are released.
Read More →
3 Legal Realities Every Utah College Student Should Understand
Whether you have lived in Utah your whole life or you are attending from out of state, you will be subject to the same laws as everyone else in addition to school policies. Here are three legal issues every student should know about when they go to school in Utah.
Read More →
law office in Utah
How to Find Help for Your Reckless Driving Case in Utah
If you are charged with reckless driving, you’ll be getting more than just a traffic ticket from the officer who pulls you over. The crime of reckless driving in Utah is considered a class B misdemeanor, which means if you are found guilty, you could face a fine of up to $1,000 or up to six months in jail. But what counts as reckless driving?
Read More →

Defend your case with the best criminal defense attorneys in Utah

Get a confidential case evaluation

Our office will contact you as soon as possible to arrange for you to discuss the facts of your case with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Salt Lake City, Utah.​ The use of this form for communication with our personnel does not establish an attorney-client relationship.