Kansas
Criminal Defense Lawyer(See my Missouri Alcohol Possession page for a charge in MO.)
An underage drinking charge, or being a minor in possession of alcohol may not sound like a serious charge, but any criminal conviction can impact one's future career or educational options. In the age of cheap criminal background checks over the internet, more and more private employers do these kinds of checks. Many professional career opportunities such as the military, government, law enforcement could be hurt by you having a criminal charge on your record. If you are a student, a criminal conviction for possession of alcohol could impact a scholarship or admission.
For a first offense minor in possession of alcohol charge, the penalty is:
Up to 1 month in jail
$200 minimum fine ($500 if under 18)
40 hours of community public service
Required attendance in an alcohol education program
suspended driver's license for 30 days.
For a second (2nd) offense minor in possession of alcohol charge in the state of Kansas, in addition to the above penalties, the driver's license suspension will be for 90 days.
For a third (3rd) offense minor in possession of alcohol charge in the state of Kansas, in addition to the above penalties, the driver's license suspension will be for a 1 year.
Related charges: If you purchase alcohol for a person under the legal drinking age of 21, you are subject to a maximum penalty of 6 months in jail and a $1000 fine.
I will always argue for a dismissal in these cases. I can challenge the state on an evidentiary basis, depending on the facts that may or may not establish who exactly was in physical possession of the alcohol. I can also make dismissal arguments "in the best interests of justice", or a sentencing argument if necessary. Many courts are not in favor of branding a kid with a record for a minor mistake. But it really depends on the facts of the case.
I will make sure the court and the judge consider all the facts of the case, as well as the character of the person involved.
Please call me for a free consultation about your case, and I'll let you know exactly what I can do to help. I'll offer you the benefit of my experience in how to best proceed with your case to help protect your or your child's future career opportunities. Call our Kansas City office at (888) 439-4244.
- Attorney Mark Hagen
Overland Park, KS.
Kansas Criminal Defense Attorney Mark Hagen handles cases throughout the Kansas City metro area.
Kansas Criminal Offenses Charges defended, Misdeameanors & Felonies
Kansas Criminal Court Procedures What happens at an Arraignment, Pre-Trial, and more
Kansas Criminal Sentencing Sentencing, Pre-Sentencing Investigation
Kansas Drug Possession Laws
Kansas Marijuana Possession Laws
Drug Distribution in Kansas
Drug Distribute in a School Zone - Kansas
Kansas DUI/DWI Drunk Driving Laws & Penalties
Kansas Igntion Interlock & DUI FAQ - Frequently asked questions about Igntion Interlock Devices, and Kansas DUI License Suspensions
Kansas Assault Charge - Laws & Penalties
Kansas Criminal Damage to Property - Criminal Damage / Arson Laws & Penalties
Kansas Domestic Battery - Domestic Violence Laws & Penalties
Kansas Harassment & Stalking - Laws & Penalties for Stalking / Harassment
Kansas Shoplifting/Theft - Laws & Penalties
Kansas Failure to Appear in Court Oustanding Warrant / Failure to Appear Laws & Penalties
Kansas Bad Checks/Fraud/Forgery White Collar & financial offenses - Laws & Penalties
Kansas Alcohol Possession - Minor
Kansas Suspended License Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License
Kansas Leaving the Scene Hit and Run / Leaving the Scene of an Accident
Kansas Traffic Ticket - Moving Violations, Speeding, Careless Driving
Directions to our Kansas City Office
Contact Us Contact our Kansas City Law Office