Alcohol Offenses
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Most people associate alcohol offenses with driving under the influence, but Chapter 106 of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code contains a number of alcohol offenses that could leave a minor with a criminal record. Austin criminal defense attorney Rick Cofer is committed to preventing a lapse in judgement or peer pressure from ruining a young person’s life.
Travis County Alcohol Offenses There are many alcohol offenses, but some of the most common ones handled by the courts in Travis County include the following:
Giving Alcohol to a Minor
It is a class A misdemeanor to give or purchase alcohol for a minor unless the person doing so is the minor’s parent, guardian or adult spouse. The penalty upon conviction is up to one year in jail and a fine up to $4,000.
How an Austin Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help
Convictions for alcohol offenses remain a part of your criminal record. If you or a loved one are charged with an alcohol offense, former Travis County prosecutor and Austin criminal defense attorney Rick Cofer has the knowledge, skills, and experience to help you to avoid the consequences of a conviction.
Travis County Alcohol Offenses There are many alcohol offenses, but some of the most common ones handled by the courts in Travis County include the following:
- Minor in possession of alcohol: This is a class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500 and eight to 12 hours of community service. Someone with a prior conviction faces up to 180 days in jail and a maximum fine of $2,000.
- Consumption of alcohol by a minor: It is a violation of the law for a person who is under 21 years of age to consume alcoholic beverages unless it is in the presence of his or her parent, guardian or adult spouse. Penalties upon conviction are the same as for a minor in possession offense.
- Public intoxication: Texas Penal Code §49.02 makes it a class C misdemeanor to be intoxicated in a public place to the extent of being a danger to themselves or to others. A public place under the statute includes an establishment, such as a bar or a restaurant, licensed to serve alcohol. The penalty is a fine of as much as $500 if the offender is an adult, but minors are subject to the same penalties as for possession of alcohol.
Giving Alcohol to a Minor
It is a class A misdemeanor to give or purchase alcohol for a minor unless the person doing so is the minor’s parent, guardian or adult spouse. The penalty upon conviction is up to one year in jail and a fine up to $4,000.
How an Austin Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help
Convictions for alcohol offenses remain a part of your criminal record. If you or a loved one are charged with an alcohol offense, former Travis County prosecutor and Austin criminal defense attorney Rick Cofer has the knowledge, skills, and experience to help you to avoid the consequences of a conviction.
Get In Touch
Call (512) 200-3801 to start your defense today.
404 W 13 St. Austin, TX 78701
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