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Colorado criminal charge

Illegal possession or consumption of ethyl alcohol or marijuana by an underage person in Colorado

petty offenseCurrent through 2026 Colorado legislative session

Illegal possession or consumption of ethyl alcohol or marijuana by an underage person is a petty offense under Colorado criminal law, defined by C.R.S. § 18-13-122. As a petty offense, it is punishable within the statutory sentencing range Colorado sets for that offense class. Colorado sorts criminal offenses into felonies, misdemeanors, and petty offenses, each carrying its own penalty range.

Defined by C.R.S. § 18-13-122.

What is the penalty for illegal possession or consumption of ethyl alcohol or marijuana by an underage person in Colorado?

Penalties for Illegal possession or consumption of ethyl alcohol or marijuana by an underage person
PenaltyRangeBasisAuthority
Jail / prisonup to 10 days (no statutory minimum)discretionaryC.R.S. § 18-1.3-503
Fineup to 300 usd (no statutory minimum)discretionaryC.R.S. § 18-1.3-503

Applies to offenses on/after 2022-03-01 (SB21-271).

Common questions about illegal possession or consumption of ethyl alcohol or marijuana by an underage person in Colorado

Is illegal possession or consumption of ethyl alcohol or marijuana by an underage person a felony or a misdemeanor in Colorado?

Illegal possession or consumption of ethyl alcohol or marijuana by an underage person is a petty offense in Colorado under C.R.S. § 18-13-122.

What are the penalties for illegal possession or consumption of ethyl alcohol or marijuana by an underage person in Colorado?

As a petty offense, illegal possession or consumption of ethyl alcohol or marijuana by an underage person carries up to 10 days (no mandatory minimum) of incarceration and a fine of up to $300 (no mandatory minimum) under C.R.S. § 18-1.3-503 (offenses on/after 2022-03-01 (SB21-271)).

Which Colorado statute covers illegal possession or consumption of ethyl alcohol or marijuana by an underage person?

Illegal possession or consumption of ethyl alcohol or marijuana by an underage person is governed by C.R.S. § 18-13-122 (Illegal possession or consumption of ethyl alcohol or marijuana by an underage person - illegal possession of marijuana paraphernalia by an underage person - adolescent substance abuse prevention and treatment fund - legislative declaration - definitions).

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.