Consequences of Buying Minors Alcohol in Tennessee
Buying alcohol for minors is not only against the law in Tennessee, but it can also have serious consequences. If you or someone you know has been accused of buying alcohol for minors in Tennessee, always take the matter seriously and seek defense representation.
Contact Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC, today for trusted advice from an experienced Nashville criminal defense attorney.
The Legal Consequences
Buying alcohol for minors is a serious offense in Tennessee and carries significant legal consequences. Tennessee law prohibits adults over 21 from providing alcoholic beverages to individuals under the age of 21. If caught, individuals can face criminal charges, including fines, probation, and even jail time. The severity of the penalties depends on various factors, such as:
- The age of the minor
- Quantity of alcohol provided
- Specific intentions of the purchasing adult
Criminal Charges for Providing Alcohol to Minors
In Tennessee, the act of buying alcohol for minors is commonly referred to as “Furnishing Alcohol to Minors” and is a misdemeanor offense. However, the consequences of misdemeanors can still be serious and costly.
If convicted, individuals may face a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 11 months and 29 days in jail. While the court usually does not impose jail time for a first offense, the judge may instead order probation and community service, as well as require attendance in alcohol education programs.
Further, a conviction will result in a permanent criminal record, which can have many effects on your life.
Selling Alcohol to Minors
In addition to purchasing alcohol for minors, selling alcohol to minors is also a serious offense in Tennessee.
Under Tennessee alcohol laws, it is illegal to sell or furnish alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. This includes not only alcoholic beverages but also any product that contains alcohol, such as certain cough syrups or mouthwash. If you are caught selling alcohol to a minor, you might be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, which can result in the same penalties as mentioned above. You can also face these charges for failing to properly check identification.
The potential consequences of selling alcohol to minors go beyond just criminal penalties. Businesses can lose their licenses to sell alcohol in some serious cases. It is important to take any allegations seriously and seek defense representation immediately if you find yourself facing criminal charges for selling alcohol to minors.
Consulting a Nashville Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with buying alcohol for minors in Nashville, Tennessee, it is important to seek defense representation. While a misdemeanor charge might not seem like a serious matter to some, the consequences can have long-term effects on your life due to creating a criminal record.
The law firm of Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC, is here to develop a strong defense. We understand the seriousness of the charges you are facing and will work tirelessly to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Contact our Nashville criminal defense lawyer online or at 615-846-9889.