Underage drinking in Phoenix
by
Aaron Black • March 15, 2017
The legal drinking age in Phoenix is 21 and with that being said it is illegal to consume alcohol if you are under 21 years of age. The penalties for underage drinking are often stricter for those under 21 due to the high rate of minors driving under the influence.Arizona Revised Statute 4-244(34) makes it illegal for a person under twenty-one years of age to drive or be in physical control of a motor vehicle while there is any spirituous liquor in the person's body. The exception to the law is when alcohol is given to a minor for legitimate religious purposes such as communal wine, or for medical purposes.
Class 2 misdemeanor underage drinking penalties
- A citation will be issued
- Possible jail time with the prospect of serving up to four months
- Fines of up to $750
- If you are convicted of underage drinking you will have a criminal record that will be visible to entities such as employers or colleges for admission.
- You may be offered the option to attend a diversion program. If you agree to a diversion program you will have to attend classes on alcohol abuse and you may be ordered to pay certain court fees. If you are offered and agree to a diversion program, after completion of the program the criminal conviction will be dropped from your record.
Class 1 misdemeanor for using a fake ID to buy alcohol
- Possible jail time with the prospect of serving up to six months
- Fines up to $2500
- Revocation of driver’s license (up to 6 months)
About the Author
Aaron Black is the founder and sole attorney of the Law Office of Aaron Black. Located in Phoenix, Arizona, his DUI and criminal defense law firm provides legal services to people who have received felony or misdemeanor charges from the state.
Aaron has developed a strong interest in defending people who have been arrested and received criminal charges for driving under the influence. With his professionalism and knowledge of Arizona DUI and criminal law, he has acted as a check and balance on the police, prosecution and courts and has protected a great number of his clients from excessive and unfair sentencing.Along with DUI defense, Aaron handles a range of other criminal matters, including aggravated assault, burglary, domestic violence, drug possession, drug trafficking, fraud defense, insurance fraud, sex crimes and white-collar crime.
After graduating college in 2003 from the University of Arizona, Aaron decided to pursue a law degree. He followed a family long tradition and went to the University of South Dakota School of Law where he pursued his goal of becoming a criminal defense lawyer.
After passing the Arizona and South Dakota bar exams, Aaron joined the Maricopa County Office of the Public Defender where he defended hundreds of people charged with serious criminal offenses. His work as a public defender helped him sharpen his litigation skills and gave him a unique insight into the Arizona criminal justice system.
Over the course of his 15-year legal career, Aaron has spent a considerable amount of time in both Arizona justice, municipal, state and federal courts. He has argued over 50 jury trials, tried over 100 bench trials and has become one of the highest-rated criminal and DUI defense attorneys in Phoenix and the surrounding areas. He has received a 10/10 rating from the legal directory Avvo because of his legal background and successful case record. Since 2014, he has received the Super Lawyer rating for his work as a Phoenix DUI and criminal defense attorney.
You can review Aaron’s Attorney Bio page for more information about his background, education and experience as a Phoenix DUI and criminal defense attorney.
