Penalties for Minors in Possession of Alcohol and Other Drinking Offenses

If you are Arrested for underage drinking in Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, individuals under the age of 21 are prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or consuming alcoholic beverages. The Providence police are always on the lookout for underage drinking at local college bars, including those near Providence College, Brown University, and Johnson & Wales. Similarly, the police at the University of Rhode Island (URI) are also actively monitoring under age drinking as well. If you are arrested on alcohol-related charges and are under 21, it is crucial to hire an experienced DUI or criminal defense lawyer right away. Attorney Michael Zarrella is widely regarded as one of the most skilled DUI and criminal defense lawyers in the state of Rhode Island. He will fight to make your charges go away. Many student's don't realize that an under age drink charge will get you license suspended, even if they were not driving. You need an aggressive attorney that will fight for you.

Penalties for Minor in Possession of Alcohol 

First Offense: A fine ranging from one hundred fifty dollars ($150) to seven hundred fifty dollars ($750).

Second Offense: A fine ranging from three hundred dollars ($300) to seven hundred fifty dollars ($750).

Third or Subsequent Offense: A fine ranging from four hundred fifty dollars ($450) to nine hundred fifty dollars ($950).

In addition to the fines, any person who violates this section will be required to:

• Perform thirty (30) hours of community service.

• Serve a minimum sixty (60) day suspension of their driver's license.

Although these penalties are severe, a charge for possession of alcohol by a minor is not considered a criminal offense.

Penalties for Driving While Impaired in Rhode Island

This law is for people between who has  BAC 0.02% - 0.08% and is between the age of 18 to 21

First Offense 

• License suspension: 6 to 12 months

• Mandatory education course on impaired driving

• $150 highway safety assessment or community restitution

• Alcohol/drug treatment

Second Offense

• License suspension until age 21

• Mandatory education course

• $150 highway safety assessment or community restitution

• Alcohol/drug treatment

Third or Subsequent Offense

• Additional 2-year license suspension

• Mandatory education course

• $150 highway safety assessment or community restitution

• Alcohol/drug treatment

Although these penalties are severe, a charge for Driving while impaired,  the charge is not considered a criminal offense.

 Penalties for Fake ID i n Rhode Island

The penalties for using a fake or false ID in Rhode Island can be more severe than drinking alcohol as a minor. 

1. Possession of a False ID:
   
   

• If you're caught simply possessing a false ID (whether it's fake or someone else's), you may face a misdemeanor charge.
  
  

• The penalties can include a fine and possible jail time. Specifically, the fine can be up to $500, and the jail time can be up to 1 year.
  
  

2. Using a False ID to Obtain Alcohol or Tobacco:
   
   

• If you're using the fake ID to purchase alcohol or tobacco, you could face serious consequences, including:
  
  

1. A fine of up to $500.
   
   

You could also face an administrative penalty such as a suspension of your driver's license for a period of time.