What is the punishment if someone under 21 is driving with unopened alcohol in the car in California?

Question

What is the punishment if someone under 21 is driving with unopened alcohol in the car in California?

Answer 1

If the alcohol is sealed, so what.

Answer 2

Minor in possesion. Don't know how much now, but in 1978 ( when I got mine ) it was $80. Still remember. However, in Ca. now there is a 70% tax placed on fines so that would be $136. Plus community service in all probability.

Answer 3

At least some areas of California, a minor in possession (even unopened) can cost you your drivers license until 21. Mission Beach has this law.

Answer 4

Alcohol in most states must be opened - the seal to the container broken - you have a possesion of alcohol by minor offense and most states are suspending minors licenses for underage possesion charges - even if it has nothing to do with a motor vehicle.

Answer 5

This is a violation of Vehicle Code section 23224, and is a misdemeanor offense carrying a maximum sentence of six months in jail.  However, what is more likely is probation and a fine in the amount specified in the statewide schedule: $380.  The bigger problem is that conviction of this offense will result in a one year suspension of your driver's license under Veh C 13202.5.  (Note this is a state law, Mission Beach does not have its own Vehicle Code.)

Since it is a misdemeanor, you are entitled to appointed counsel if you cannot afford counsel.  The best plan is to "plea bargain" the case for a conviction of an offense which does not carry license suspension as a consequence.