Minor in Consumption of Alcohol in Gilbert, AZ
For those of us who are well over 21, we wish we were still carded when we order alcohol or go to a bar. For those who are under 21, they can’t wait to turn of age so they can get into the bar. With so many bars opening in Gilbert, minor in consumption of alcohol is on the rise. We are seeing an uptick in the number of minor in consumption of alcohol charges from clients who are either drinking in the parking lots of the Gilbert bars or are leaving the Gilbert bars and get stopped by Gilbert Police. Arizona law prohibits people who are under 21 from consuming any traceable amount of alcohol. This means, a person doesn’t have to be impaired and doesn’t have to have a certain blood alcohol content, any traceable amount of alcohol found in a person’s system gives Gilbert Police cause to issue a citation for minor in consumption of alcohol.
It is a common misconception that police officers have to administer a breath test or conduct field sobriety tests to issue a citation or arrest for an MIC. While there are times when a breath test would support the officer’s case, the breath test isn’t always needed. For example, if a person is not displaying and signs or symptoms consistent with alcohol consumption, the officer would need to conduct some form of breath test. If, however, the person is falling down drunk, slurring their words or showing any other signs a reasonable person would believe are consistent with alcohol consumption, the officer would not need to administer a breath test. If our clients fall into the first category, there are several legal documents we can file with the court in an attempt to have their case dismissed due to lack of reasonable suspicion or probable cause. If our client falls into the second category, our approach is to negotiate with the prosecutor to see if there is a way we can have the case dismissed after completing alcohol education courses or community service.
Our lawyers have represented hundreds of people for minor in consumption of alcohol. We have been faced with almost every single scenario. We have experience in handling hard cases. Most important, however, we know that a person under 21 does not need to have a criminal conviction record at such a young age. Although it is illegal to drink alcohol if you are under 21, we understand that kids will be kids. Our main goal is to have your case dismissed. Let’s talk about what we can do for you, 602-926-0673.