What Happens if You Get Caught Drinking Underage in Tennessee?

 Posted on February 27, 2025 in Criminal Defense

You went out with your friends, had a few drinks, and now you are facing an underage drinking charge. Maybe you got caught at a University of Tennessee party, or maybe the cops pulled you over with beer in the car. Either way, now you are wondering just how serious underage drinking is. Can you get expelled from college? A permanent record? A call to your parents that you really do not want to make?

You have your whole life in front of you. Starting it off with a criminal record is not optimal, to say the least. If this happens to you, call our Tennessee criminal defense attorney for discreet, nonjudgmental help in figuring out this situation.

What Are the Penalties for Underage Drinking in Tennessee?

Tennessee takes underage drinking seriously. If you are under 21 and caught drinking, you can be charged with Underage Possession or Consumption of Alcohol. This is a Class A misdemeanor, which is the most serious type of misdemeanor in the state. It carries a fine of up to $2,500 in addition to other penalties, like community service or substance counseling. If you used a fake ID to buy alcohol, that is a separate charge. That can lead to additional fines, license suspension, and even more legal trouble.

Will You Go to Jail for Underage Drinking?

Probably not. While jail time is technically possible, first-time offenders usually do not end up behind bars. However, the consequences can still be a huge headache — especially if you just started college or have career plans that require a clean record.

Can You Get Underage Drinking Charges Dropped?

Tennessee does offer two types of diversion programs for first-time offenders, which could allow you to avoid a conviction. A diversion program typically includes:

• Alcohol education classes

• Community service

• A period of probation

If you successfully complete the program, the charge may be dismissed, and you can request to have your record expunged. This means the arrest will not show up on background checks, which is a huge deal if you are planning to apply for jobs, internships, or grad school.

Busted for Underage Drinking? Call a Knoxville, TN Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you have been arrested for underage drinking, do not make things worse by ignoring the problem or trying to handle it alone. A conviction can follow you for years, but there are ways to fight the charge or keep it off your record.

At The Baker Law Firm, our Knox County, TN underage drinking attorney helps college students and young adults navigate Tennessee’s legal system and protect their futures. Call us at 865-200-4117 for a free consultation. Do not let one mistake define your future.