Maine | Minor Possession Alcohol

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Each state has their own set of underage drinking laws that are meant to target the sales as well as the possession of alcohol to minors. In 1984, Maine joined in with the rest of the states in the nation and raised their minimum drinking age to 21. This means that any minor who is caught with alcohol, anyone under the age of 21, as well as anyone who is caught selling alcohol to one of these minors, could face some stiff penalties with the law. Keep in mind that these rules are usually going to target public possession, but some states do have laws regarding the consumption of alcohol by minors in private. If you are facing charges of minor possession, make sure to contact a professional criminal defense lawyer to help you keep your record clean.

Definition of Alcohol

There are some definitions in place concerning alcohol in most states. The Drinking Age Act, which was adopted in Maine, defines alcohol as:

Stout, porter, ale, beer, and any other fermented beverages that will contain one half of 1 percent by volume of alcohol.  Wine or  Distilled spirits

It is important to not drink any of these options in public if you would like to keep your record clean and avoid other issues along the way.

Public Possession

For most states, the law for underage drinking is going to relate to public consumption. States don’t put much emphasis on drinking inside the home for most individuals, but once the minor gets out of their home and is drinking in public, problems can occur. Any time that you are out in a public place and under the age of 21, regardless of what you are allowed at your home, you should not be drinking.

There are a few exceptions to this public possession rule. Some of these include:

Minor using alcohol for religious purposes—this could include having the wine in Communion or other uses as long as the reason is established and it is allowed by the parent or guardian.

Medical purposes—there needs to be written approval by a nurse, hospital, doctor or other professional for giving this to a minor.

Private clubs and establishments—some of these can allow minors to drink.

Lawful employment with a retailer or manufacturer who is licensed to sell these kinds of beverages.

If you are uncertain about whether you are allowed to drink in public as a minor, it is best to just avoid it all together. This can cause some hefty charges that you don’t want to deal with and can harm your future. If you do have charges of underage drinking brought against you, make sure to hire a professional criminal lawyer to help you out and to keep this little mishap off your record.

Penalties for Underage Drinking

If you are the minor who is caught drinking, you can face criminal offenses. If you are convicted, this could mean diversion programs, fines, and jail time. Often it will include community service and you will have this criminal offense placed on your record.

If you provide the alcohol to the minor, you are going to face hefty fines, jail time, revocations of your license, and so much more. It is not worth it to sell these beverages to a minor as these charges can ruin your record, put you in jail, and makes it very hard to run your business.

Any time you are dealing with the charges of underage drinking, whether you are the minor or the provider, make sure to contact a certified criminal lawyer to help you out and keep your fines, penalties, and jail time to a minimum.

Lawyers Directory

Androscoggin County, Maine, Aroostook County, Maine, Cumberland County, Maine, Franklin County, Maine, Hancock County, Maine, Kennebec County, Maine, Knox County, Maine, Lincoln County, Maine, Oxford County, Maine, Penobscot County, Maine, Piscataquis County, Maine, Sagadahoc County, Maine, Somerset County, Maine, Waldo County, Maine, Washington County, Maine, York County, Maine.