Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

minor in posession of a closed bottle

hello,

I am planning to take a trip to canada (I am 19 years old) within the next few weeks. I am planning to purchase alcohol, and I was wondering if current washington state law (where I will most likely be searched at the border) will prosecute me for carrying unopened bottles of liquor in a bag.

Washington law that I have found:

http://search.leg.wa.gov/wslrcw/RCW%20%2066%20%20TITLE/RCW%20%2066%20.%2044%20%20CHAPTER/RCW%20%2066%20.%2044%20.270.htm

would this be any different than driving my parent's car, with their unopened liquor bottles in the trunk?

thank you much.


Asked on 2/29/04, 7:48 pm

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

Re: minor in posession of a closed bottle

1. Yes. Persons under age 21 cannot possess alcohol (note exceptions in statute you cited). It does not matter whether the container is opened.

2. No. If your parents are not in the vehicle to claim ownership, you are in possession of the alcohol and subject to prosecution.

If prosecuted, you will be facing a gross misdemeanor (maximum penalty of $5,000 and 1 year in jail). The best legal advice you could possibly receive: Don't Do It.

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Answered on 3/01/04, 12:14 am


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