Underage Drinking Laws in Ohio

Ohio has several laws related to underage drinking:

1. Underage Consumption/Possession. It is a crime in Ohio for anyone under 21-years-old to knowingly order, pay for, share the cost of, attempt to purchase, possess, or consume any beer or liquor in any public or private place. See Ohio Revised Code Section 4301.69(E)(1). An underage drinking charge is a Misdemeanor of the Third Degree and carries a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail and a $500.00 fine. It is not a defense to this crime that a bar/restaurant/venue did not check IDs.
2. Fake IDs. It is a crime in Ohio for anyone to possess or display a fake driver’s license. See Ohio Revised Code Section 4507.30(A). A fake ID charge is a Misdemeanor of the First Degree and carries a maximum penalty of 180 days in jail and a $1,000.00 fine.
3. Underage Drinking and Driving. It is a crime in Ohio for anyone under 21-years-old to drive while under the influence of alcohol. See Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.19(B). If a person under 21-years-old is caught drinking and driving and has a blood alcohol concentration of .02 or greater and it is their first offense, they can be charged with a Misdemeanor of the Fourth Degree which carries a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail, a $250 fine, and a driver’s license suspension.

If you find yourself at a sporting event, bar, concert, restaurant, etc. and are charged with any of these underage drinking offenses, call The Tyack Law Firm Co., L.P.A. We are a group of attorneys who have substantial experience representing individuals under 21-years-old with underage drinking offenses.

Disclaimer: The information in this blog post is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information contained in this post should be construed as legal advice from the Tyack Law Firm Co., L.P.A., or the individual author, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel or representation on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, county, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.