If you're under the age of 21, is it illegal to be under the influence of alcohol?

Question

More specifically, could a person under 21 be charged for simply being intoxicated, even though the person breaks no other laws? Additionally, what constitutes public intoxication?

Answer 1

well yah , u have 2 b over the age of 21

Answer 2

It is NOT illegal to simply be intoxicated. Any law you could be charged with requires some other element. IE: drunk in PUBLIC. In order to be drunk in public you must be so intoxicated that you are a danger to yourself or others and you must actually be in a public place. Although, the definition of "danger" is a little loose. Also, a really crappy way to get someone is BUI (biking under the influence). Basically, if you are on a bike and above a .05 (under 21) you can get a BUI. The problem with a minor being intoxicated is that anytime you get charged with a drug or alcohol related offense you get your license suspended for 1 year (at least in CA).
So, if you're under 21 and you want to drink, do so in your own home, or in the home of a good friend and DON'T LEAVE the house.

Answer 3

Yes they can be charged with it, because just by drinking they have broken the law. It is not about buying but also drinking that is illegal, as in order to drink alcohol, it had to be in the person's possession. Public intoxication is any time a person is in public after drinking, usually if the person is being loud, or disturbing others, they will be charged, but anytime a person is drunk or have been drinking they can be charged even if they are taking a walk.

Answer 4

Yes, it's illegal to be under the influence of alcohol. Yes, a person can be charged simply being intoxicated. If you drive in California and your intoxicated you will get a DUI.If at any age If your intoxicated and are caught they give you three choices. 1st.BLOOD test 2nd urine,3rd breath, If you fail you loose. If you refuse they lock you up. When It's unacceptable behavior,or walking around nude.

Answer 5

you bet, its actually worse because there are extra charges that must be filed as well. most states have a zero tollerance towards underage drinking. Where as an adult may lose their license for six months for a first time DUI and underage drinker is automatic 1 years and charged with possesion as well. Public intoxication is being anywhere the public may see you in an intoxicated condition exibiting any number of appearances like staggering, and slurred speach.

Answer 6

Yes because it is illegal to be in possession of alcohol. You could be charges with Underage drunk in Public, Underage DUI if you drive, Minor in Possession, etc.

Public intoxication is being under the influence in public.

Answer 7

I drank the main good around 21, slightly till now, and slightly after. Turning 21 did not incredibly substitute something nonetheless, I nonetheless drank a similar quantity I did at 20 or 19. in my view i develop into greater or much less partied out at 22 yet this develop into following quite a few years of drug use besides. at present i'm incredibly content fabric with being uninteresting and hardly eating to intoxication.

Answer 8

it depends on where you live..my home town limit for drinking is 18 but if under the legal age you can be charged for being intoxicated. next question..loud, obnoxious,stumbling up the street is public intoxication

Answer 9

depends on where y ou are. In California if you're UNDER the influence, and under 18 you can loose your driving privilidges, even if you're not driving. If you're under 21 you can loose your license until you're 21.

drunk and under the influence are different. everybody know what a drunk looks like. but if you're under 21 ANY alcohol in your system counts because you're NOT ALLOWED TO DRINK. TO have the cops pay attention to you, you've had to much to drink.

Answer 10

Under aged drinkers can be charged with the possession of alcohol, but not necessarily under the influence. Most states will just take them into protective custody if they are under the influence...