Underage Drinking and Driving and Possession in St. Paul and Ramsey County: The Legal Consequences
In St. Paul and the surrounding suburbs of Ramsey County, Minnesota, the battle against underage drinking and driving is waged with a stern set of laws aimed at discouraging minors from indulging in alcohol before they reach the legal age of 21. The implications of such underage drinking extend far beyond the immediate health risks, affecting the legal standing and future of those caught in the act. This article outlines the critical aspects of Minnesota's underage consumption laws, the notorious "Not-a-Drop" law, and the broader implications for those charged with such offenses in St. Paul and Ramsey County including the all-so-valuable driver’s license. If you, your child, or a loved one are facing charges related to underage drinking and driving, Jack Rice Defense stands ready to provide expert legal advice and representation. Contact us for a free confidential consultation at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.
“An underage drinking and driving charge can have huge driver’s license ramifications.”
Minnesota Underage Consumption Law
The state of Minnesota has set clear boundaries when it comes to minors and alcohol in St. Paul and the rest of Ramsey County. The law explicitly prohibits individuals under the age of 21 from engaging in activities such as consuming alcohol without parental supervision or permission, purchasing or attempting to purchase alcohol, possessing alcohol with the intent to consume, entering a bar or liquor store with the intent to buy, and misrepresenting age to purchase alcohol. These actions are deemed misdemeanor offenses, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and fines reaching $1,000.
The "Not-a-Drop" Law
Taking a zero-tolerance stance, Minnesota's "Not-a-Drop" law makes it illegal for anyone under 21 to operate a vehicle with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system. This law reflects a national movement aimed at curbing underage drinking and driving, considering the elevated risks associated with such behaviors. Violation of this strict statute results in misdemeanor charges, carrying penalties similar to other underage alcohol offenses, including potential jail time and significant fines but may also have driver’s license ramifications.
If under the age of 18 and not charged with a DWI, the offense is prosecuted in juvenile rather than adult court and is considered a “major traffic offense”. If there is not a DWI violation it cannot be used as an enhancing factor for any future DWIs.
Driver’s License Revocations for Underage Offenders
If the offender is under the age of 18 and any amount of alcohol is present, a driver’s license will be revoked until the offender reaches the age of 18. If the offender is over 18 but under 21 and there is any alcohol in their system, a first-time offender’s license is suspended for 30 days. Their license suspension will increase to 180 days for a second or more offenses.
Open Bottle Law
Minnesota's open bottle law further tightens regulations by criminalizing the consumption of alcohol or possession of an open container of alcohol in a vehicle on a public roadway, irrespective of the driver's sobriety level as well as age of the driver. There are exceptions for passengers in certain types of commercial transportation like buses and limousines, but for the average driver, compliance is non-negotiable. Violations here also constitute misdemeanors, emphasizing the state's firm stance against alcohol misuse in vehicles.
DWI: Understanding the Implications
Regardless of age, driving while impaired (DWI) is a severe offense in St. Paul, Maplewood, Roseville, New Brighton and the rest of Ramsey County. The law encompasses driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs including marijuana, or any hazardous substance that notably impairs driving abilities. Unique to Minnesota, refusing a breathalyzer test following a lawful DWI arrest constitutes a separate offense. For minors, the law does not bend: underage DWI offenders (16 years and older) face adult court, receiving no leniency based on their age.
Penalties for Underage DWI Offenders
Facing a DWI charge triggers both administrative and criminal penalties, which escalate with aggravating factors such as prior offenses, high blood alcohol concentration levels, or endangering minors. For underage drinkers, a DWI conviction means a minimum license revocation of 180 days, with the exact penalty varying based on the nature of the violation.
“If you get a DWI as a juvenile, they will frequently treat you like an adult and things can get serious very quickly.”
Seek Expert Defense with Jack Rice Defense
Confronting charges of underage drinking and driving in St. Paul or Ramsey County necessitates expert legal defense. Jack Rice Defense offers comprehensive support for you or your loved ones, ensuring knowledgeable representation tailored to defend against these severe charges. For a free confidential consultation, contact Jack Rice Defense at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339. Protect your future or that of your loved one with a defense that understands the complexities of Minnesota's underage drinking and driving laws.