lawyer

What is Alcohol Law?

Alcohol law covers criminal, administrative, and personal injury cases involving alcoholic beverages. Each of these categories of cases is governed by a unique set of rules, and alcohol lawyers tend to limit their practices accordingly. Rules dealing with alcohol are generally a matter of state and local law. However, federal laws and regulations control issues such as the importation, taxation, labeling, and advertising of alcoholic beverages.

Federal lawmakers have also found creative ways to influence alcohol regulation issues that fall within the exclusive authority of the states. For example, in 1984 the U.S. Congress passed legislation that makes the full appropriation of highway funds to a state contingent upon that state outlawing the purchase or possession of alcohol by people under the age of 21. Initially criticized as congressional extortion, all states have now come into compliance with the federal act.

Criminal Offenses for Adults and Minors

People of all ages are subject to state laws prohibiting the operation of motor vehicles while under the influence of alcohol. Referred to by various acronyms, including DUI, DWI, OUI, and others, these laws regulate drunk driving by specifying the maximum blood alcohol content (BAC) a driver may have while operating or having control over a vehicle. Thus, the law does not impose a complete ban on drinking and driving; rather, it establishes a legal limit. Currently, the BAC limit for adult, non-commercial drivers is .08%.

Minors under the age of 21 who drink alcohol face criminal prosecution for purchasing, possessing, or consuming even a single alcoholic beverage. Some jurisdictions have relaxed this zero tolerance policy when minors consume alcohol at home and in the presence of their parents. As with any sort of criminal charge, a defendant accused of underage drinking must carefully review the elements of the applicable statute or ordinance to determine whether it encompasses the defendant?s conduct, or better yet, hire an attorney to perform this task.

A number of other alcohol crime laws apply in most communities across the United States. The offense of public intoxication is a broad prohibition designed to curb the consumption of excess amounts of alcohol, and the disturbance to the public peace it can cause. Adults can also run afoul of the law by having an open container of alcohol where prohibited, or by furnishing beer, wine, or spirits to a minor.

Business Licensing Issues

States and counties require businesses to maintain liquor licenses in order to sell alcohol. For a tavern, restaurant, liquor store, or other such enterprise, this license can mean the difference between success and failure. When licensing issues arise, proprietors are advised to retain an attorney familiar with the administrative process the government must follow in order to deny a license application or to revoke an existing license for alcohol violations. Mistakes by licensing boards can be appealed, but short deadlines for doing so typically apply.

Tort Liability for Establishments that Serve Alcohol

The term ?dram shop liability? refers to statutes or judge-made legal doctrines that hold establishments that serve alcohol strictly liable when they serve drinks to clearly intoxicated patrons who later cause harm to third parties. For example, if a bartender serves drinks to an obviously drunk customer, and that customer causes a car accident on the way home, the accident victim may be allowed to bring a tort claim against the bar. Establishments susceptible to dram shop liability usually maintain insurance policies covering such events, and the premiums are simply considered another cost of doing business.

Dram shop liability does not exist in all states. In fact, some jurisdictions have specifically barred personal injury plaintiffs from asserting this type of claim. Where it does exist, the victim of the drunk driver must prove that the establishment made an illegal sale, which includes sales to minors as well as sales to clearly intoxicated adults. Fault must also be established on the part of the intoxicated driver who caused the accident, just as it must be in ordinary car accident litigation.

Asserting dram shop liability means the victim must take on two defendants (the establishment owner and the drunk driver), their defense attorneys, insurance companies, claims adjusters, and a legal system full of pitfalls for those unfamiliar with the process of asserting a claim. A skilled plaintiff?s attorney can handle the situation with finesse, and ensure the victim is fully compensated. In cases of dram shop liability in particular, accident victims should seek out an attorney immediately after the accident, and avoid making statements or signing any documents in the meantime.

Legal Representation in Alcohol Cases

If you have been accused of committing an alcohol offense, or need help with any type of civil case related to the sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages, attorneys are available right now to discuss your case. Remember, any delay in speaking with an attorney could put your legal rights in jeopardy.