Selling Alcohol to a Minor

In order to legally buy, possess, or consume alcohol in the United States, you must be 21 years of age or older. If a minor violates these laws, they may face charges that can affect them for the rest of their lives. However, the under-aged perpetrator is not the only one subject to legal action in some instances.

Selling alcohol to a minor in any capacity is a crime. Many charges stem from selling alcohol to minors in food marts, gas stations, and liquor stores. Failing to adequately check IDs outside bars and inside restaurants is also a way that alcohol can be illegally sold to minors.

There are two ways that police tend to catch people in the act of selling alcohol to minors. The first is by checking IDs of individuals who have already been served. The second is through sending under-covered cops into locations where alcohol is sold. If the person working the cash register of the liquor store fails to check the customer’s ID, they may be arrested on the spot.

Building a strong defense against these charges is essential to avoiding harsh consequences. Especially for adults caught in the act of selling to a minor, their career and personal life may be on the line. Defense tactics for these charges typically include proving that the fake ID was not recognizable or the person blamed is not at fault for the minor’s possession.

If you have been accused of selling alcohol to a minor in the state of Texas, you may be facing a Class A misdemeanor. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to learn more about your defensive options during this difficult time.