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Washington criminal charge

Driver under twenty-one consuming alcohol or cannabis in Washington

MisdemeanorCurrent through 2026 Washington legislative session

Driver under twenty-one consuming alcohol or cannabis is a Misdemeanor under Washington criminal law, defined by RCW 46.61.503. As a Misdemeanor, it is punishable within the statutory sentencing range Washington sets for that offense class. Washington sorts criminal offenses into class A, B, and C felonies, gross misdemeanors, and misdemeanors — a gross misdemeanor is a distinct, more serious rung than a misdemeanor — with maximum penalties set by RCW 9A.20.021.

Defined by RCW 46.61.503.

What is the penalty for driver under twenty-one consuming alcohol or cannabis in Washington?

Penalties for Driver under twenty-one consuming alcohol or cannabis
PenaltyRangeBasisAuthority
Jail / prisonup to 90 days (statutory maximum, county jail (RCW 9A.20.021(3)); offenses outside Title 9A carry the same default under RCW 9.92.030 unless the offense fixes its own penalty)discretionaryRCW 9A.20.021
Fineup to $1,000 (statutory maximum, adult offenders (RCW 9A.20.021(5)))discretionaryRCW 9A.20.021

Applies to current.

Common questions about driver under twenty-one consuming alcohol or cannabis in Washington

Is driver under twenty-one consuming alcohol or cannabis a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?

Driver under twenty-one consuming alcohol or cannabis is a Misdemeanor in Washington under RCW 46.61.503.

What are the penalties for driver under twenty-one consuming alcohol or cannabis in Washington?

As a Misdemeanor, driver under twenty-one consuming alcohol or cannabis carries up to 90 days (no mandatory minimum) of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000 (no mandatory minimum) under RCW 9A.20.021 (current).

Which Washington statute covers driver under twenty-one consuming alcohol or cannabis?

Driver under twenty-one consuming alcohol or cannabis is governed by RCW 46.61.503 (Driver under twenty-one consuming alcohol or cannabis—Penalties).

Legal terms used in this law

This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.