Maximum penalty for open bottle of alcohol in the car

Maximum penalty for open bottle of alcohol in the car

Question:  What is the maximum penalty for open bottle of alcohol in the car?  My son got a ticket for having a open bottle of alcohol in the car last week.  I don’t know the specifics about why he was even pulled over in the first place, but I am concerned for him and he is as well.

I have another son who has a DUI conviction from a few years back.  Will the consequences be similar to that?

Answer:  It sounds like they are charging him with a VC 23224(a) (Possession of Alcohol in Vehicle; Person under 21).  Although it comes with potential serious consequences, it is a less serious charge than a VC 23152 DUI charge.

Any person convicted for a violation of VC 23224(a) is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished upon conviction by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six months, or by both that fine and imprisonment, as well as a 1 year drivers license suspension.

I would recommend consulting a attorney in person to discuss the case in more detail. I have been successful in getting this charge and other similar charges (ie. minor in possession) dismissed for previous clients and would be happy to talk to you and your son about this further.  Free consultation.

What court is his case in?  If his case is not in a Court that I regularly handle, I may know a qualified attorney in that area who can assist you.
Sincerely,

Phil Hache
DUI & Criminal Defense Attorney
www.philhachelaw.com
Handling DUI and Criminal matters throughout Courts in Southern California including Van Nuys, San Fernando, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Metro, Bellflower, Alhambra, Malibu, Compton, Inglewood and other Courts.
Office in Sherman Oaks