Johnston, Stannard, Klesner, Burbidge and Fitzgerald, P.L.C.

Free 30-Minute Consultation: 319-354-1712

Johnston, Stannard, Klesner, Burbidge and Fitzgerald, P.L.C.

319-354-1712

Protecting Your
Rights And Future

Iowa City Defense Attorney For Crimes Related To Underage Drinking

Last updated on March 17, 2025

Whether you face charges for using a fake ID to get into a bar, drinking while underage or supplying alcohol to someone who is underage, the charges are serious – especially for students.

At Johnston, Stannard, Klesner, Burbidge & Fitzgerald, P.L.C., we have protected the interests of Iowa City defendants for more than 50 years. Hawkeyes from The University of Iowa (UI), students at Kirkwood Community College (KCC) and others who have been charged with crimes related to underage drinking know that we are their go-to legal resource for many needs. Criminal defense attorney Shawn Fitzgerald firmly believes that a mistake should never be allowed to derail a young person’s entire future.

What Should Iowa Students Know About Underage Drinking?

Many underestimate the potential for legal consequences related to underage drinking. It is important to understand that criminal charges off campus can lead to disciplinary action on campus. Depending upon the nature of the charges and the outcome of your criminal case, you could be facing restrictions, suspensions or even expulsion from your university. Common offenses include:

  • Possession of alcohol under legal age (PAULA): This is a misdemeanor offense without the possibility of jail time, but it does include steep fines.
  • Being in a bar after 10 when under 21: Iowa City considers this a simple misdemeanor, but it carries a $400 fine.
  • Supplying alcohol to underage drinkers: This is a serious misdemeanor with heavy fines, but the charges can escalate to felonies and involve prison time if the minor you supplied causes an injury or death.
  • Possession of a fictitious ID: This is a higher level misdemeanor that involves fines and up to a year in jail upon conviction.
  • Unlawful use of an ID: This involves using someone else’s ID as your own. It is a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine.

The last two offenses will also result in a license suspension for 30 days to six months if you have an Iowa driver’s license. If you have an out-of-state license, your license may be suspended for 365 days just for being cited, even without a conviction.

Frequently Asked Questions On Underage Drinking

Many students and young adults assume that using a fake ID is a minor offense, but Iowa law treats it as a violation. Here are answers to some common questions about fake ID laws in Iowa City.

What happens if you get caught with a fake ID in Iowa City?

You could face criminal charges if you are caught using or possessing a fake ID in Iowa City. Under Iowa law, using a fake ID to purchase alcohol or gain entry to a bar is a serious offense that can result in a simple misdemeanor or even an aggravated misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances.

Potential penalties include fines, community service and even a criminal record. Additionally, if the ID is used to misrepresent your identity to law enforcement, the charges could be more severe.

Can my driver’s license still be suspended if I’m from out of state?

If you are convicted of using a fake ID, the Iowa Department of Transportation can suspend your driving privileges in Iowa for up to a year.

While this suspension may not directly impact your home state license, your home state’s DMV may be notified and could choose to take additional action. This can create complications for driving in Iowa and elsewhere.

Can I face jail time for using a fake ID?

Usually, using a fake ID does not result in jail time for first-time offenders. However, the penalties can still be significant. Fines, community service and probation are common consequences.

More importantly, a conviction for possessing or using a fake ID can result in a criminal record. This may impact job opportunities, graduate school applications and professional licensing in the future.

If there are aggravating factors, such as using a fake ID to commit fraud or evade law enforcement, more severe charges could be applied, potentially leading to jail time.

What consequences could I face from my college or university?

Colleges and universities often have specific policies regarding fake ID and underage drinking offenses, which can lead to disciplinary action. Depending on the school, you may face consequences such as warnings, probation, suspension or expulsion.

Additionally, disciplinary records related to fake ID use could affect scholarships, campus housing and involvement in extracurricular activities. Schools take these offenses seriously because they reflect on student conduct and campus safety.

Talk To An Experienced College Crimes Defense Lawyer Today

Call Johnston, Stannard, Klesner, Burbidge & Fitzgerald, P.L.C. at 319-354-1712 today or contact us by email to schedule an appointment with a defense lawyer who understands the unique concerns of college and underage students who have been charged with a crime. We can represent you in court and before university administrators alike.

Notable Cases

Cedar County AGCR024516 — PLEA OFFER ACCEPTED — Attorney Shawn Fitzgerald’s client was accused of the crime of Operating a Motor Vehicle While License is Barred as a Habitual Offender §321.560/ §321.561/ §321.555 /§321.556 (An Aggravated Misdemeanor), as well as Failure to Use Child Restraint Devise §321.446 (A Scheduled Violation). Attorney Shawn Fitzgerald was able to secure a plea offer satisfactory to both client and state.

Notable Cases

Muscatine County AGCR057733 — PLEA ACCEPTED, CHARGE REDUCED — Attorney Shawn Fitzgerald’s client was accused of Domestic Abuse Assault §708.2A(2)(b) (A Serious Misdemeanor). An initial plea offer stated the client would have to plead guilty as charged, attorney Shawn Fitzgerald worked for a better offer for his client. The client was able to plead guilty to an amended lesser charge of Disorderly Conduct §723.4(2) (A Simple Misdemeanor).