Getting cited or arrested for possession of alcohol under the age of 21 may feel minor—but in Florida, it can create real legal and long-term consequences, especially for students, athletes, and young professionals.

Under Florida Statute § 562.111, possession alone is enough. No drinking required.

If you or a loved one has gotten into trouble for possessing alcohol as a minor, an experienced Palm Beach County defense attorney can help.

Below, we break down what the charges actually are, penalties, defense strategies and why hiring a competant lawyer can make all the difference.

Schedule a Consultation

Table of Contents

What Counts as Possession of Alcohol by a Minor in Palm Beach County, Florida?

You can be charged if law enforcement believes you knowingly possessed an alcoholic beverage while under 21, including:

  • Holding or carrying alcohol

  • Alcohol found in your backpack, purse, or vehicle

  • Being handed a drink at a party

  • Constructive possession at a gathering or event

Even a red Solo cup can be enough to trigger a charge.

possession of alcohol by a minor in Palm Beach County

Penalties Under § 562.111

While often charged as a second-degree misdemeanor, penalties can include:

  • Up to 60 days in jail

  • Up to $500 in fines

  • Mandatory community service

  • Alcohol education or treatment programs

  • Driver’s license consequences in some cases

For students, the hidden consequences often matter more:

  • School discipline

  • Athletic suspensions

  • Scholarship or internship issues

  • Problems with graduate school or professional licensing

Defenses to Minor in Possession Charges

Our criminal attorney has defended many minors with charges of alcohol possession in Palm Beach County, Florida.

Common defense strategies include:

  • Lack of possession or control

  • Unlawful detention or search

  • Alcohol belonged to someone else

  • No probable cause for the stop

  • Failure to establish age or knowledge

Many of these cases are highly defensible when handled early.

Why Early Legal Help Matters

Prosecutors often treat these cases as “routine.” At The Law Offices of Matthew Konecyky, PA, we do not.

Our goal is always to:

  • Avoid a conviction

  • Protect your record

  • Resolve the case quietly and efficiently

  • Seek dismissal, diversion, or withhold of adjudication where possible

Your Next Step? Call Our Palm Beach County Defense Attorney

If you or your child has been charged with possession of alcohol by a minor in Palm Beach County, do not assume it will “just go away.”

Contact us online or call our office today for a confidential consultation with our experienced and proven criminal defense attorney, Matthew Konecky.