Underage Drinking Laws in New Jersey
The severity of the penalties a juvenile will face for consuming alcohol is related to the circumstances of the incident. For example, underage drinking while driving will carry heavier penalties then being intoxicated in public. Additionally, alcohol consumption may carry stiffer consequences than alcohol possession. The family of a juvenile who is facing alcohol-related offenses in New Jersey would be well-advised to discuss the specifics of their case with a skilled Princeton juvenile crime defense attorney.
New Jersey Statute 2C:33-15 makes it a crime for juveniles to possess or consume alcohol. Driving while intoxicated when under the age of 21 is covered by statute 39:40-15.14. The law is particularly harsh on underage drunk drivers in New Jersey. If you are under 21 in New Jersey, you only need to have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .01 percent to face serious consequences and charges. For those above 21, the legal limit is 0.08 percent.
Juveniles are not the only ones who may face penalties related to underage drinking. Under New Jersey Statute 2C:33-17a, it is a crime to serve alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. Additionally, adults may be charged for allowing their home to be used for underage drinking (NJSA 2C:33-17b). Additionally, adults may be charged with child endangerment if they serve a minor alcohol and it results in an injury (NJSA 2C:24-4).
The experienced attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein handle all types of juvenile crime-related charges. If your underage son or daughter has been accused of alcohol possession or driving under the influence in New Jersey, please call us at 609-240-0040. We understand the impact these charges can have on your child’s future. Call today for a free consultation.
