Legal Question in Criminal Law in New Mexico

18 year old drinking

My cousin of 18 years old was at my house recently and drank a few beers. I'm confused as to how the law reads on this, as she is an adult. I'm not sure if I broke the law, though I have a feeling her drinking on my property isn't legal. There has been no mention of this yet, as there is a bigger case going on at the moment concerning her boyfriend abusing her, but if there is I would like to know what to expect. Am I looking at a fine or jail time? I am crossing my fingers that ti doesn't come to any of this as I have definitely learned my lesson as far as letting anyone, family or not, have a beer in my house if they are not 21.


Asked on 5/21/08, 7:18 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Charles Aspinwall Charles S. Aspinwall, J.D., LLC

Re: 18 year old drinking

The legal age for consuming alcoholic beverages in NM is 21 years. Serving an alcoholic beverage to a minor is a misdemeanor crime as is contributing to the delinquency of a minor. No one can know if you will have a problem from your prior actions, but probably not. You should refrain, however, from serving alcoholic beverages to anyone under 21 in the future if you wish to avoid criminal liability.

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Answered on 5/21/08, 9:12 pm


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