Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

Minor In Possesion at a Casino

A friend and I were at a casino. We each had 3 beers in the car in the parking lot. A dealer we talked to told security about it. Niether of us drove after consuming alcohol. The police came, but we never recieved any paper or ticket. There were 3 unopened containers in the car, confiscated by security not police. What type of trouble are we in? Are we facing fines, jail time, etc.? No sobriety test or breathalizer was given. This was an indian casino, are the laws different on their land?


Asked on 6/25/04, 7:22 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
James J. White, attorney Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC

Re: Minor In Possesion at a Casino

The law can be different on tribal land. They have local jurisdiction to pass misdemeanor crimes much like any city does. However, in all of the state of Washington it is illegal for minors (under 21) to possess or consume alcohol. The main trouble will be a suspension of your license to drive. If driving is important to you than you definitely need to hire a lawyer to try to keep the charge off of your record. No sobriety tests were given but the fact of alcohol consumption is "lay opinion"--your average joe is considered reliable to tell if someone has been drinking. Breathalyzers are used for DUI's because you have to determine how much the person was drinking. But minors can't drink at all.

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Answered on 6/25/04, 7:40 pm


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