Providing Alcohol to a Minor: Understanding Texas House Bill 420

If you or someone you love have been accused of providing alcohol to a minor in Texas, you need to understand the law and your rights. Texas House Bill 420 addresses this issue, setting clear guidelines and penalties for supplying alcohol to individuals under the legal drinking age. A single mistake or misunderstanding can lead to serious legal consequences. Today we want to talk about Texas House Bill 420 and what it means if you’re facing charges.

What is Texas House Bill 420?

Texas House Bill 420 (HB 420) is a state law governing the provision of alcoholic beverages to minors, meaning anyone under the age of 21. HB 420 makes it illegal for anyone, except certain authorized individuals and in specific situations, to knowingly provide, sell, or make alcohol available to a minor.

Who can be charged under HB 420?

You can face charges under HB 420 if you:

• Directly provide alcohol. Giving alcohol to a minor, whether it’s a single drink or multiple beverages, violates this law.
• Make alcohol available. This includes leaving alcohol in an accessible place or allowing minors to consume it on your property.
• Host an event or party. If you host a gathering where minors are drinking alcohol, you can be held responsible, even if you didn’t serve the drinks yourself.

Are there any exceptions to HB 420?

There are a few exceptions to HB 420. For example, a parent, guardian, or spouse of the minor can provide alcohol to them in a private setting. Alcohol provided for religious purposes, like wine during a church service, is also allowed.

Outside of these exceptions, providing alcohol to a minor can result in criminal charges.

What are the penalties for violating HB 420?

The penalties for providing alcohol to a minor are substantial, and can vary based on the specifics of your case. However, here’s what you might face:

• A Class A misdemeanor, which can include a fine up to $4,000, up to one year in jail, and a permanent criminal record if convicted.
• If the minor causes harm to themselves or others after consuming the alcohol, this is bumped up to a felony charge. Felony charges can result in five to 99 years in prison, as well as fines of up to $10,000.
• Even if driving wasn’t involved, your driver’s license could be suspended as part of your punishment.
• You may also be sued in civil court if someone is injured or harmed as a result of the minor consuming alcohol.

How is HB 420 enforced?

It’s important to remember that the state of Texas takes underage drinking seriously, and police enforce HB 420 in a variety of settings:

• Police often patrol neighborhoods known for large gatherings, especially during holidays or on weekends.
• Establishments serving alcohol are required to check IDs, and can face penalties if they fail to do so.
• Law enforcement may even use social media posts or event invites to identify gatherings where minors might have access to alcohol.

How do I defend against HB 420 charges?

If you’ve been charged with providing alcohol to a minor, you’re going to need a strong legal defense. The criminal defense attorneys at Mary Beth Harrell Criminal Defense and DWI Lawyers, we work to protect your rights and minimize the consequences of these charges. Here are some defense strategies we may employ:

• The law requires that you “knowingly” provided alcohol to a minor. If you genuinely didn’t know the person was underage, this could be a defense.
• It’s not uncommon for individuals to be wrongly accused, especially in chaotic or crowded settings. Witness testimony and video evidence can be used to challenge the accusation.
• If the alcohol was provided in compliance with the law’s exceptions, like by a parent or during a religious ceremony, this can be a valid defense.
• If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during the investigation or arrest, the charges may be dismissed.

How can your Copperas Cove criminal defense attorneys help?

Facing charges under Texas House Bill 420 can be frightening and overwhelming. We understand that the legal process can be complicated, and that the stakes are high. Having an experienced attorney on your side can make all the difference. Here’s how we can help:

• We’ll carefully review all the details of your case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence.
• In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate for reduced charges or alternative sentencing, like community service or alcohol education programs.
• If your case goes to court, we’ll launch a strong defense and advocate for your best interests.

Whether you’re facing charges or not, it can be helpful to understand how to avoid legal trouble related to underage drinking. Following are some tips:

• Check IDS – always verify the age of individuals before providing alcohol, especially at parties and events.
• Keep alcohol stored securely and out of reach of minors in your home.
• If you’re hosting a gathering, make it clear that alcohol is off-limits to anyone under age 21.

If you’ve been charged with providing alcohol to a minor under Texas House Bill 420, don’t face the legal system alone—reach out for the support and guidance you need. The experienced Copperas Cove criminal defense attorneys at Mary Beth Harrell Criminal Defense and DWI Lawyers are here to fight for your rights, protect your future, and help you work through this challenging situation. Get in touch with our offices for a confidential consultation and let’s start building a strong defense together. Call us or fill out our contact form today.