Underage Drinking Pursuant to North Carolina G.S. 18B-302(b)Selling or Giving Alcohol to an Underage Person Pursuant to North Carolina G.S. 18B-302(a) and (a1)
In addition to representing those charged with underage drinking, our attorneys often represent those charged with selling or giving alcohol to minors. These charges are more serious than underage drinking and can result in punishments that require up to 150 hours of community service.
- Unlawful Activity: Pursuant to North Carolina G.S. 18B-302(a) and (a1), it shall be unlawful for any person to sell or give alcohol to anyone under the age of 21.
- Punishment: A violation of this law is a class 1 misdemeanor and if you do not receive an active sentence, jail time, there is a mandatory $250.00 fine and 25 hours of community service. If you receive a second conviction under G.S. 18B-302(a) or (a1) within 4 years from your first conviction and do not receive an active sentence, jail time, there is a mandatory $500.00 fine and 150 hours of community service. Lastly, if convicted of giving alcohol to someone under the age of 21, G.S. 18B-302(a1), your driver’s license will be revoked for one year pursuant to 20-17.3.
Aiding or Abetting a Person Under the Age of 21 in Obtaining Alcohol Under North Carolina G.S. 18B-302(c)
- Aider and Abettor Under the Age of 21: Pursuant to North Carolina G.S. 18B-302(c)(1) it is unlawful for a person under the age of 21 to aid or abet another person under the age of 21 in obtaining, consuming, or purchasing alcohol or to aid and abet someone that sells or gives alcohol to a person under the age of 21. A violation of this statue will result in a class 2 misdemeanor and a revocation of your driver’s license for one year.
- Aider and Abettor 21 or Older: Pursuant to North Carolina G.S. 18B-302(c)(2) it is a class 1 misdemeanor to for a person who is 21 or older to aid or abet another person under the age of 21 in obtaining, consuming, or purchasing alcohol or to aid and abet someone that sells or gives alcohol to a person under the age of 21. A violation of this statue will result in a class 1 misdemeanor and a revocation of your driver’s license for one year. Additionally, if you do not receive an active sentence jail, the court most impose a $500.00 fine and 25 hours community service. If one receive a second conviction under this statue within four years of the first conviction, the Judge must impose of $1000.00 fine and 150 hours of community service.
What Browning & Long, PLLC Can Do For You
- Get Your Charge Dismissed: Oftentimes our attorneys can negotiate with the District Attorney to allow you to take a class for dismissal of your charge. Once your case is dismissed our attorneys can have your charge expunged permanently from your criminal record so employers or schools will never know you were charged with an underage drinking crime.
- Take your case to trial: If you are ineligible for the class our attorneys or not afraid to protect your rights in court. While Howard and Todd served as Mecklenburg County Assistant District Attorneys they prosecuted thousands of underage drinking violations and know how to try these cases in the courtroom if necessary.
- Allow you to Drive: If you are convicted of purchasing alcohol under North Carolina G.S. 18B-302(b) your License will be suspended. Our Attorneys can get you a limited driving privilege to allow you to drive for work, school, household maintenance and medical purposes during the period of your suspension.
