Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

Alcohol law regarding minors

I will be twentyone in June and I am moving in with two minors who are over 18 but under twentyone. I've already established that I am not going to purchase alcohol for them. However, I want to know if I am liable if they choose to acquire alcohol from someone else and I happen to be home when they are consuming it, or vice versa, is it illegal for me to drink alcohol while they are at home?

Thanks


Asked on 5/29/02, 5:12 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Paul Ferris Law Office of Paul T. Ferris

Re: Alcohol law regarding minors

It is not illegal for you to consume alcohol in the presence of a minor.

You are not committing a crime if your mates possess and/or consume alcohol in the house provided that you did not purchase or give the alcohol to them (giving includes going to the fridge and handing to them beer they purchased).

With that said, imagine an officer showing up in response to a complaint of loud noise and you are the only 21 year old at the party . . .

The fact that you have not committed a crime does not preclude being charged, and even convicted of a crime. And even if a judge or jury did ultimately believe you and your witnesses, you will have a record of being charged and the costs associated with your defense.

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Answered on 5/29/02, 12:50 pm


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