Question: If I am 18 and was caught drinking a beer in a public parking lot, what are any additional penalties aside from the fine on the ticket?
Answer: Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons under the legal drinking age (21) is addressed in Arizona Revised Statutes 4-244 (9), which prohibits an underage person from consuming or possessing alcoholic beverages. Violation of this section is addressed in 4-246 (B), which classifies such violation as a Class 1 misdemeanor. A Class 1 misdemeanor may be punishable by up to six (6) months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.00.
Besides the imposition of jail time and a fine, if there are repeated similar violations or the person appears to have a drug or alcohol problem, the court could require the person to submit to drug or alcohol screening and, depending on the findings of the screening, could impose probationary conditions such as drug or alcohol testing and treatment.
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