Alcohol Charges for Juveniles in Georgia

Getting charged with alcohol possession as a juvenile in Georgia can be scary. But don’t worry – this article will walk you through everything you need to know about alcohol charges for juveniles in GA, from laws and penalties to defenses and outcomes.

Georgia Laws on Underage Drinking

In Georgia, it’s illegal for anyone under 21 to purchase, possess, or consume alcohol. There are a few exceptions though:

• You can possess alcohol for medical purposes with a prescription
• You can possess alcohol for religious ceremonies
• Your parent can give you alcohol at home when they’re present
• You can possess alcohol while working at a licensed establishment

It’s also illegal for anyone to furnish alcohol to a minor in Georgia, unless it’s a parent giving their child alcohol at home. Providing alcohol to other people’s kids is risky and can open you up to civil liability too.

There’s one other important exception – minors are protected from prosecution if they seek medical assistance for a friend experiencing alcohol poisoning. This is to encourage minors to call 911 and get help when needed, instead of fearing charges themselves.

Penalties for Underage Drinking in Georgia

An underage drinking charge in Georgia can lead to fines, jail time, license suspension, and a criminal record. Here’s a quick breakdown of possible penalties:

• Possession: Up to 6 months in jail and/or up to a $300 fine
• Attempted Purchase: 6-12 month license suspension
• Providing Alcohol to Minors: Up to 1 year in jail and/or up to a $1,000 fine

If you’re under 17, your case will be heard in juvenile court. But even misdemeanors aren’t trivial – an adjudication can still lead to fines, probation, community service, counseling, or detention. It also goes on your juvenile record.

Proving an Underage Drinking Charge in Georgia

For the state to convict you of underage drinking in Georgia, they have to prove a few things beyond a reasonable doubt:

• You knowingly possessed alcohol
• You were under 21 at the time

With constructive possession charges – like being in a car where someone else had alcohol – the state must prove you knew the alcohol was there.

The state may use various evidence to prove underage drinking, like:

• Eyewitness testimony
• Admissions
• Physical evidence – bottles, cans, etc.
• Field sobriety or breathalyzer test results
• Your physical appearance and behavior

Possible Defenses for Underage Drinking

There are a few defenses that could potentially beat an underage drinking charge in Georgia:

• Lack of knowledge – you didn’t know there was alcohol present
• Misidentification – you were mistakenly identified
• Medical emergency – you called 911 to help an intoxicated friend
• Entrapment – you were induced by police to commit a crime you otherwise wouldn’t have
• Illegal search – evidence was obtained through an unlawful search

An experienced juvenile defense lawyer can evaluate the details of your case and decide if any defenses apply.

Outcomes and Consequences

There are a few possible outcomes if you’re charged as a minor:

• Dismissal – charges dropped completely
• Diversion – charges dismissed after completing a program
• Plea deal – plead guilty in return for reduced penalties
• Trial – judge decides your guilt after hearing arguments
• Adjudication – found guilty, penalties ordered by judge

An adjudication leads to fines, probation, detention, community service, counseling, and/or license suspension. It also goes on your record.

However, your lawyer may be able to negotiate alternatives like diversion or abeyance to avoid a conviction on your record. Your school, future job, and college prospects will thank you!

Getting Legal Help

If you or your child is facing underage drinking charges in Georgia, don’t go it alone. An experienced juvenile defense lawyer can protect your rights and give you the best chance at a positive outcome. They may be able to get charges reduced or dismissed, or work out a plea deal to avoid harsh penalties.

Don’t leave your future up to chance – call a juvenile defense attorney today to discuss your best options. With legal guidance, these charges don’t have to negatively impact your life going forward.