Wisconsin Underage Drinking Laws

If you are under the age of 21, it is illegal for you to consume alcohol, with few exceptions. Different states have different laws regarding the punishments for underage consumption of alcohol. Wisconsin's laws are particularly strong and impose strict penalties upon underage drinkers and anyone who provides alcohol to minors.

Wisconsin Alcohol Laws

Wisconsin has an extensive list or laws and regulations regarding underage drinking and providing alcohol to persons under the age of 21:

• It is illegal for any person under the age of 21 to appropriate or attempt to gain access to an alcoholic beverage. This includes any attempt to falsely represent his or her age. A person under the age of 21 is legally allowed to consume or obtain alcohol only if accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or spouse who has reached the age of 21.
• It is against the law for any person or party to give away, sell, or otherwise obtain alcohol for an underage person, unless the underage person is accompanied by his or her legal parent, guardian, or spouse who has reached the age of 21.
• It is illegal for an adult to allow the illegal consumption of alcohol by a person under the age of 21 on the adult's property or on premises under the adult's control. If an adult notices a person under the age of 21 in the possession of alcohol, it is illegal for the adult to fail to take action against the consumption of the alcohol.
• According to Wisconsin's “Not A Drop” Law, it is illegal for any person under the age of 21 to operate a motor vehicle with any amount of alcohol detectable in his or her system.

Contact Us

If you face a minor in possession charge or have been charged with providing alcohol to an underage person, you will need an experienced legal representative on your side. Contact the Appleton criminal defense attorneys of Kohler, Hart & Priebe at 414-271-9595.