Minor in Possession of Alcohol Lawyers in Austin
Protect Your Child’s Future from Serious Charges
When your child is charged with a minor in possession of alcohol or related alcohol offenses in Austin, Texas, you’re suddenly facing questions and concerns you never expected. At Cofer & Connelly, PLLC, we understand that, as a parent, you’re worried about your child’s future, reputation, education, and rights, so we’re ready to deliver legal services and defense representation that blend genuine compassion with professionalism.
People often choose us for minor in possession of alcohol defense representation because:
- Our team brings over 200 years of combined legal experience.
- We have handled 300+ jury trials, which means we know how the system works from the ground up, including how prosecutors work and how judges approach cases.
- We have achieved a 95% success rate in defending criminal matters (dismissal, acquittal, or charge reduction).
- With former prosecutors and a former judge on our team, we understand the other side’s strategies and methods.
- We are based in Austin and serve the local area, so we know the local courts, juvenile/municipal processes, and the prosecutors’ offices.
Get more information about defending your child against a minor in possession of alcohol charge. Call Cofer & Connelly, PLLC in Austin, Texas, by dialing (512) 991-0576 and planning a case review.
What is a Minor in Possession Under Texas Law?
In Texas, the laws governing under-21 alcohol offenses are found in the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code Chapter 106 (“Provisions Relating to Age”).
Some of the key sections include:
- Purchase by a minor (Section 106.02): A minor commits an offense if they purchase an alcoholic beverage.
- Consumption by a minor (Section 106.04): A minor commits an offense if they consume an alcoholic beverage. There is an affirmative defense if the beverage was consumed in the visible presence of the minor’s parent or guardian, though.
- Possession by a minor (Section 106.05): A minor commits an offense if they possess an alcoholic beverage, unless certain exceptions apply.
- Misrepresentation of age by minor (Section 106.07): A minor commits an offense if the minor falsely states they are 21 or older, or presents a document showing they are 21 or older to obtain alcohol.
- Punishment provisions (Section 106.071): Most offenses under Chapter 106 are Class C misdemeanors initially, but penalties increase substantially for repeat offenses, such as fines up to $2,000 in rare cases.
Why You Should Take the Charge Seriously
Even though many offenses related to minors and alcohol use are labeled as misdemeanors, the consequences for your child can ripple into academic, employment, and licensing opportunities. A conviction can appear on background checks and may limit deferred disposition options, especially if there are future incidents.
As your child’s parents, you likely ask: “How will this affect their school record? Will it affect college admission? Will they still be able to get a driver’s license? What about their future job applications?” These are valid concerns that show the importance of taking the charge seriously and looking for legal help right away.
Leave the Defense Work Up to Us
At Cofer & Connelly, PLLC, we can help with a minor in possession of alcohol charge by:
- Exploring the facts and defenses: Was the beverage legally in the minor’s possession? Did an adult intervene? Was the minor’s presence and conduct properly handled by law enforcement? If your child was in the visible presence of a parent or guardian, or the context supports an affirmative defense, we can look for those opportunities when preparing the defense case.
- Considering alternative resolutions: When appropriate, we can approach the prosecutor or juvenile court with arguments for dismissal, reduction, or deferred disposition that minimize long-term impact. We keep the goal of safeguarding your child’s future front and center.
- Protecting your child’s opportunities: We can assess whether your child is eligible for expunction and work to mitigate or avoid driver’s license suspensions, or other collateral consequences under Chapter 106.12.
- Communicating openly with you: We know how emotionally charged this is for you and your family. We commit to keeping you informed, explaining the risks, the options, and working together on decisions that affect your child’s rights and future.
Prepare a Defense with Legal Counsel – Call Now
If your child has been charged with possession of alcohol, consumption of alcohol, or other similar alcohol offense in Austin or the surrounding area, act in their defense now. A delay can limit the options available when working on a defense. Reach out to Cofer & Connelly, PLLC, so we can sit down with you and your child, map out the potential strategies, protect your child’s rights, and help you make informed decisions about what to do at each step. You’re standing up for your child’s future, education, driving privileges, and reputation. We take that responsibility seriously, so let us put our experience and local insight to work for you and your child now.
Contact us online or call (512) 991-0576 today to begin working on a minor in possession defense.
Our Impact
The Experience and Proven Track Record Your Case Needs
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200+ Years' Combined Experience
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95% of Cases Dismissed, Acquitted, or Reduced
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Thousands of Cases Handled
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Award-Winning Legal Representation
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Voted Best Lawyer Five Years in a Row by the Austin Chronicle
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Former Felony Prosecutors and Judge Defending You
At Cofer & Connelly, we believe every client deserves more—more experience, more strategy, and more commitment. With former prosecutors, award-winning attorneys, and over 200 years of combined experience, we anticipate challenges and fight for the best outcome. When the stakes are high, we don’t settle—we do more.