What You Should Know About Underage Drinking in Illinois

 Posted on August 17, 2018 in DUI/DWI

Illinois is not the only state that has strict laws regarding underage drinking. In Illinois, it is illegal for a person under the age of 21 to drink or possess alcohol. Even so, there are many individuals under the age of 21 that decide to drink alcoholic beverages.

Being charged with underage drinking can be detrimental to a minor’s future. Consider the following informationthat you should know about underage drinking in Illinois.

An Underage Drinking Charge is Considered a Class a Misdemeanor in Illinois

For anyone under the age of 21, it is illegal to possess or consume alcohol. Being found to have any amount of alcohol in your system as a minor can result in a Class A misdemeanor charge. It is also illegal for minors to transport open alcohol containers in their vehicles. This carries the potential of up to one year in jail and a maximum fine of $2,500.

Fake IDs Can Result in a Felony Charge

Often, what goes hand in hand with underage drinking is the underage individual using fake identification that states they are 21 or older. However, using a fake ID and being caught with it can bring about a felony charge. One can be convicted of a Class 4 felony.

The penalty for a Class 4 felony can be one to three years in jail and fines up to $25,000. The felony charge applies to “fraudulent” driver’s licenses. Fraudulent means that the ID was made by someone other than the federal government. Possessing an ID that contains incorrect information can result in a misdemeanor charge.

There is Zero Tolerance for Underage Drinking and Driving

Illinois has developed a strict zero tolerance policy for individuals under the age of 21 who have consumed alcohol and drove. If an underage individual is found to have any trace of alcohol inhis or her system while driving,then he or she will be charged with a DUI.Furthermore, the driver will losehis or her driving privileges. Additionally, the first offense carries a three-month suspension ofhis or her driving privileges.

A second conviction for an underage DUI is a one-year suspension of driving privileges. Additional charges and convictions will result in harsher penalties. A blood alcohol concentration of .08 or more can result in a DUI charge and result in stricter penalties and longer suspension of driving privileges.

Contact Us Today for Help

Skilled Rolling Meadows criminal defense attorney Christopher M. Cosley knows that an underage drinking conviction can be devastating to a young person’s life. Do not let one charge result in a lifetime of consequences. Attorney Cosley is committed to your defense. Years of experience has resulted in an aggressive approach to defending cases. Contact us today to get your defense started.

Source:

http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/traffic_safety/DUI/uselose.html