Underage Drinking in Salt Lake City
Underage drinking charges can have a long-lasting impact on your education, your career, and your future—especially in Utah, which has some of the strictest drinking laws in the country. Unfortunately, even a single, brief lapse in judgment can result in underage drinking charges for the most well-intentioned young adults.
At Conyers & Nix, our team of experienced Salt Lake City underage drinking defense lawyers has decades of combined experience building a comprehensive, strong legal defense for even the most complex underage drinking cases. When you need defense the most, we are ready to stand by you. To learn more, contact our office today.
Is Underage Drinking Illegal in Utah?
The legal drinking age in the United States is 21 years of age, and Utah is no exception. Anyone under the legal drinking age is considered underage, or a minor, in the eyes of the law. Utah drinking laws aim to protect underage minors from the negative effects of alcohol consumption, and there are special legal provisions that impose stricter rules and regulations on underage drinking. According to Utah Code § 32B-4-409, it is illegal for a minor to:
- Purchase (or attempt to purchase) alcohol
- Ask another person to purchase alcohol on their behalf
- Possess or consume an alcoholic beverage
- Have any measurable alcohol concentration in their body
In other words, the sale, possession, and consumption of alcohol is highly regulated in Utah. It is also illegal to use someone else’s identification card to procure alcoholic beverages, gain access to bars, or secure employment that requires you to handle alcoholic products.
Minors are also subject to a zero-tolerance provision related to drinking and driving. Per Utah Code § 5-3-231, a driver in this age group cannot operate a motor vehicle—including ATVs, dirt bikes, and boats—with any amount of alcohol in their system. For more information regarding underage drinking and driving, and the penalties associated with this specific offense, consider connecting with a knowledgeable attorney.
Are There Exceptions to the Underage Drinking Laws?
Yes, there are certain exceptions to the underage drinking laws. Utah Code § 32B-4-409(10) states that underage drinking laws do not apply if the consumption of alcohol is required for medicinal purposes and the alcoholic product is provided by the minor’s parent, guardian, or physician. Additionally, individuals who consume alcohol as part of a religious service are exempt from underage drinking laws.
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Utah has some of the strictest alcohol laws in the country, and law enforcement officers often take an aggressive approach to carrying out the law. Even the first offense of underage drinking can have severe legal penalties, including jail time, fines, and driver’s license suspension. Moreover, a minor who is found guilty of underage drinking may be required to undergo a screening assessment from a licensed mental health therapist and/or attend an educational series approved by the Division of Integrated Healthcare.
On top of these legal consequences, an underage drinker may face additional consequences imposed by their school, athletic organization, or social organization. These ramifications can include academic probation, suspension, or even expulsion. Given the legal, financial, and social implications of an underage drinking charge, it is important to consider seeking legal guidance from an experienced Salt Lake City underage drinking defense lawyer who understands the complexities of these charges.
Is Underage Drinking a Misdemeanor in Utah?
Yes, underage drinking is considered a misdemeanor in Utah. Misdemeanor charges are categorized into three groups: Class A, Class B, and Class C, depending on the nature and severity of the crime. First violations can be met with a Class B misdemeanor charge, punishable by:
- Up to six months in jail
- $1,000 in fines
- A one-year suspension of driving privileges
Subsequent underage drinking offenses carry harsher charges. All subsequent violations of these laws are met with a Class A misdemeanor charge, punishable by:
- Up to one full year in jail
- $2,500 in fines
- A two-year suspension of driving privileges
A misdemeanor charge can have life-altering consequences, resulting in the creation of a criminal record, major financial penalties, and significant damage to your reputation. Whether it is a first offense or subsequent violation, having an experienced attorney in your corner can make all the difference.
How Should You Handle Underage Drinking Charges?
If you or your child is facing underage drinking charges, it is important to take action and assert your constitutional rights. At first glance, you may believe that pleading guilty is the right strategy to quickly move forward and put the charges behind you. In the majority of situations, however, pleading guilty is simply a one-way ticket to a permanent criminal record that will stay with you for a minimum of six years. Having a criminal record will make it more difficult for you to secure employment and housing. For young Utahns, this can be devastating.
Seeking assistance from a seasoned criminal defense attorney is critical. A knowledgeable attorney will help you understand your rights, guide you through the criminal justice system, and develop an effective defense strategy to protect your future. At Conyers & Nix, we are passionate about defending the rights of Utah’s youth and we work tirelessly to protect minors from the life-altering consequences that often accompany underage drinking charges. Specifically, we will help you navigate the following legal matters:
- Understanding your charges. Several laws govern underage drinking in Utah and our team will work with you to understand the nature and severity of the charges.
- Gathering and examining all evidence. The outcome of your case depends entirely on the type of evidence you present in your defense. We will obtain all evidence, evaluate the strength of the evidence, and pursue the right defense for the charge.
- Negotiating a fair deal to avoid criminal charges. There are a range of defense strategies that can be used in an underage drinking case. Constitutional violations, statutory exemptions, and mere presence may all be viable defenses to the charge. Our team will leverage these defenses to negotiate a fair deal, having charges reduced or dismissed accordingly.
- Preparing for trial, if necessary. While we take all steps necessary to avoid trial, sometimes litigation is unavoidable. In the event of a trial, we have the skills and resources necessary to win.
Contacting a Salt Lake City Underage Drinking Defense Lawyer Near You
Underage drinking is a serious offense in Utah, with far-reaching consequences that can leave a lasting impact on your education and your career moving forward. Do not let one mistake ruin your chances of obtaining an education and having a rewarding career. The team of experienced Salt Lake City underage drinking defense lawyers provides top-notch legal defense for minors charged with underage drinking in Utah.
We understand what is at stake, and we are committed to getting your charge dismissed or reduced. To discuss how Conyers & Nix can help you avoid the lasting effects of an underage drinking conviction, consider scheduling a free consultation with us..