Washington Furnishing Liquors to Minors Lawyer
Have you been charged with Furnishing Liquors to Minors? Let us help you today!
In Washington, being charged with Furnishing Liquor to Minors can come with hefty fines and a record that can follow you for the rest of your life.
Washington Furnishing Liquor to Minors Charges and Penalties
What is the Statue?
The statute which creates the crime of furnishing liquor to minors is RCW 66.44.270.
A person is guilty of furnishing liquor to minors if the person violates subsections (1), (2)(a), or (2)(b) of RCW 66.44.270.
(1)It is unlawful for any person to sell, give, or otherwise supply liquor to any person under the age of twenty-one years or permit any person under that age to consume liquor on his or her premises or on any premises under his or her control. For the purposes of this subsection, “premises” includes real property, houses, buildings, and other structures, and motor vehicles and watercraft.
(2)(a)It is unlawful for any person under the age of twenty-one years to possess, consume, or otherwise acquire any liquor.
(2)(b)It is unlawful for a person under the age of twenty-one years to be in a public place, or to be in a motor vehicle in a public place, while exhibiting the effects of having consumed liquor. For purposes of this subsection, exhibiting the effects of having consumed liquor means that a person has the odor of liquor on his or her breath and either: (i) Is in possession of or close proximity to a container that has or recently had liquor in it; or (ii) by speech, manner, appearance, behavior, lack of coordination, or otherwise, exhibits that he or she is under the influence of liquor. This subsection (2)(b) does not apply if the person is in the presence of a parent or guardian or has consumed or is consuming liquor under circumstances described in subsection (4), (5), or (7) of RCW 66.44.270.
Are there any Exceptions?
There are several exceptions to the application of RCW 66.44.270.
Liquor Authorized by Parent or Guardian
Subsections (1) and (2)(a) do not apply to liquor given or permitted to be given to a person under the age of 21 by a parent or guardian and consumed in the presence of the parent or guardian. This exception does not authorize consumption or possession of liquor by a person under the age of 21 on any premises licensed under chapter 66.24 RCW.
Medicinal Purposes
RCW 66.44.27 does not apply to liquor given for medicinal purposes to a person under the age of 21 by a parent, guardian, physician, or dentist.
Religious Purposes
RCW 66.44.270 does not apply to liquor given to a person under the age of 21 when such liquor is being used in connection with religious services and the amount consumed is the minimal amount necessary for the religious service.
Students
RCW 66.44.270 does not apply to liquor provided to students under 21 in accordance with a special permit issued under RCW 66.20.010(12).
Persons Seeking Medical Assistance
A person under the age of 21 acting in good faith who seeks medical assistance for someone experiencing alcohol poisoning shall not be charged or prosecuted under subsection (2)(a) of this section, if the evidence for the charge was obtained as a result of the person seeking medical assistance.
A person under the age of 21 who experiences alcohol poisoning and is in need of medical assistance shall not be charged or prosecuted under subsection (2)(a), if the evidence for the charge was obtained as a result of the poisoning and need for medical assistance.
What is the Punishment?
Furnishing Liquor to Minors is a gross misdemeanor. A gross misdemeanor is punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for a maximum term fixed by the court of up to 364 days, or by a fine in an amount fixed by the court of not more than $5,000, or by both such imprisonment and fine.
Even as a Defendant of a Crime, you still have Rights! Make sure yours were not violated!
Even as an individual facing criminal charges, you have rights. It is important to know those rights and make sure that they were not violated in any way when you were arrested or charged. Without extensive knowledge of your rights when it comes to police searches, Miranda rights, and your rights when it comes to arrest, it is extremely difficult to get a dismissal or reduction of your charges. Do not try and fight these charges on your own, Weber Law is ready to help you today.
Contact Weber Law immediately if you’ve been arrested on a furnishing liquor to minors charge. We offer a free confidential case evaluation – serving Seattle and the surrounding areas.
"He did everything he could to solve my case. There was no moment where I felt like I was alone. He went to his full extent to help me lower my charges. Great lawyer.”
How can you fight it?
If you have been cited for Furnishing Liquor to Minors in Washington, there are a few ways Weber Law can fight for you. Whether it is negotiating to lower the charge to a lesser crime, reducing your fine amount or jail time, making sure the charge does not go on your record, or defending you at trial, Weber Law will work for you every step of the way. By looking at potential evidence such as security cameras, and eyewitness testimony, Weber Law will make sure to look at all the details of your case. At Weber Law, we are experienced in defending these types of charges, winning these types of cases, and getting you back to everyday life. If you or anyone you know has been cited with Furnishing Liquor to Minors in the state of Washington, call Weber Law today for a consultation.
RCW 66.44.270
A Seattle, Washington Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help You
Weber Law will aggressively fight for your rights. Contact us today!
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