Defense of Minnesota Furnishing Alcohol to Minors Charges

It is against the law for an adult to furnish (give or sell) a person under the age of 21 with an alcoholic beverage. Minnesota law makes no distinction between selling alcohol to a minor or simply giving it to them. And the consequences can be severe. Furnishing alcohol to a minor is a gross misdemeanor offense. It is punishable by up to one year in jail and a $3,000 fine!

One of the most common ways people are cited for this offense is through an undercover police sting operation conducted at a bar or restaurant. Typically, police will employ a person under 21 and have them enter a restaurant and order an alcoholic beverage. If the person is served alcohol, the server / bartender is charged with a criminal offense and the establishment is on the fast track to losing its liquor license.

If you or a loved-one has been charged with furnishing alcohol to a minor, contact the Balmer Law Office for a free and confidential case evaluation. Minneapolis criminal defense attorney David Balmer is pleased to provide free and confidential case evaluations. Contact the firm via its 24-hour hotline: 612-326-4175.

Legal Defenses to Charges of Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor

Defenses to furnishing alcohol to minors will depend on individual circumstances. One possible defense may include a reasonable belief that a government issued identification was legitimate and showed the person to be over the age of 21. Another defense may invoke Minnesota’s narrow exception — the right of a parent to serve alcohol to their own children within their own home. Whatever your circumstances, know that the assistance of a skilled criminal defense lawyer will make all the difference in advancing your particular defense.

Contact the Balmer Law Office — Minneapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you’ve been caught up in a sting operation or otherwise cited for furnishing alcohol to a minor, contact the Balmer Law Office to learn about potential defenses and ways to avoid the harsh consequences of a criminal conviction. The Balmer Law Office is pleased to provide free and confidential case evaluations and is available via its 24-hour hotline: 612-326-4175.