Underage Drinking

Underage Possession of Alcohol

Possession is prohibited WITH THE FOLLOWING EXCEPTION(S):

• private location AND
• parent/guardian presence and consent
• one or more specified religious, educational, or medical purposes

Underage Consumption of Alcohol

Consumption is prohibited WITH THE FOLLOWING EXCEPTION(S):

• private location AND
• parent/guardian presence and consent
• one or more specified religious, educational, or medical purposes

Underage Purchase of Alcohol

• Purchase is prohibited - no explicit exceptions noted in the law

False Identification for Obtaining Alcohol

• Use of a false ID to obtain alcohol is a criminal offense
• Penalty may include driver's license suspension through a judicial procedure

This web site and its contents are not legal advice. For cases in which underage drinking charges involve driving, it helps to be aware of the following, and to contact Attorney Chris Charles about these matters.

Blood Alcohol Concentration Limits:

• Youth (Underage Operators of Noncommercial Motor Vehicles)
• BAC limit: 0.02 – a BAC level at or above the limit is per se (conclusive) evidence of a violation
• Applies to drivers under age 21

Loss of Driving Privileges for Alcohol Violations by Minors ("Use/Lose Laws")

Type(s) of violation leading to driver's license suspension, revocation, or denial:

• underage purchase
• underage possession
• underage consumption

Use/lose penalties apply to minors under age 21

Authority to impose driver's license sanction: mandatory

Length of suspension/revocation:

• minimum: not specified
• maximum: 90 days

Attorney Chris Charles will also offer expert counsel and defense in underage drinking cases for adults accused of assisting minors with obtaining alcohol:

Furnishing of Alcohol to Minors

Furnishing is prohibited WITH THE FOLLOWING EXCEPTION(S):

• private location AND
• parent/guardian

Prohibitions Against Hosting Underage Drinking Parties

• Currently there is not a criminal social host law

There are also definitive laws in Colorado for professional purveyors of alcohol. If you have been charged with an underage drinking offense, Chris Charles will defend your rights:

Minimum Ages for On-Premises Servers and Bartenders

	Server	Bartender
Beer	18	18
Wine	18	18
Spirits	18	18

Condition(s) that must be met in order for an underage person to sell alcoholic beverages:

• establishment type: certain retail outlets
• AND manager/supervisor is present
• AND beverage service training

Minimum Ages for Off-Premises Sellers

Beer	21
Wine	21
Spirits	21

Provision(s) targeting suppliers:

• It is a criminal offense to lend, transfer, or sell a false ID

Retailer support provisions:

• Licenses for drivers under age 21 are easily distinguishable from those for drivers age 21 and older
• Retailers are permitted to seize apparently false IDs
• Specific Affirmative Defense - the retailer inspected the false ID and came to a reasonable conclusion based on its appearance that it was valid

In all cases, including underage drinking, you have rights that deserve to be defended.

These are your rights. Protect them.