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- Overview of the Tempe Underage Drinking and Fake ID Operation
- What Are the Potential Criminal Charges?
- Misdemeanor vs. Felony: Understanding the Differences
- Penalties for Underage Drinking and Fake ID Use in Arizona
- Title IV Violations: What They Mean for Bars and Restaurants
- FAQs About Underage Drinking, Fake IDs, and Liquor Law Violations
- How CHM Law Can Help
In Tempe, Arizona, students and young adults often look forward to a lively nightlife scene, especially around the bustling areas near Arizona State University. However, recent events have highlighted the serious legal consequences that can follow decisions made on a night out.
On Thursday, April 24, 2025, a major joint operation between the Tempe Police Department and the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (DLLC) resulted in 173 arrests for underage drinking and possession of fake IDs at a bar near McClintock Drive and Apache Boulevard.
This high-profile operation emphasizes that underage drinking is treated as a significant offense under Arizona law, not just “kids being kids.” In addition to personal consequences for those arrested, the establishment itself is now under investigation for possible Title IV liquor law violations, which could lead to substantial penalties or even the loss of its liquor license.
If you or a loved one were among those cited or arrested, or if you own or manage a bar in Arizona, understanding the potential legal consequences is crucial. This article explains the charges, penalties, and next steps, and how the criminal defense lawyers at Colburn Hintze Maletta (CHM Law) can help protect your future.
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173 Arrested for Fake ID and Underage Drinking at Tempe, AZ Bar
Overview of the Tempe Underage Drinking and Fake ID Operation
The Tempe Police Department, responding to numerous complaints about underage individuals gaining access to licensed liquor establishments, collaborated with the DLLC to conduct a compliance check at a bar near McClintock Drive and Apache Boulevard. According to the media, the results were staggering: 173 individuals were apprehended. Of those, 165 were cited with misdemeanor charges and released, while eight were booked into the Tempe City Jail.
Many of those arrested were found to be in possession of fake IDs used to enter the establishment. Authorities emphasized that underage drinking and the use of fake IDs are not inconsequential matters and contribute to overall public safety concerns.
The DLLC and the Tempe Police Department are continuing to investigate whether the bar itself violated any state liquor laws, including possible Title IV violations, which could result in harsh regulatory consequences.
What are the Potential Criminal Charges?
For individuals arrested or cited during the operation, several criminal charges under Arizona Laws, ARS 4-244, are possible, depending on the facts of each case:
- Minor in Possession (MIP) of alcohol (ARS 4-244 (9))
- Underage Consumption of alcohol (ARS 4-244 (41))
- Use or Possession of a Fake ID (ARS 4-241)
- Criminal Trespass if entry was made illegally after being denied entry
- Providing False Information to law enforcement (if fake information was given during the stop)
Most of these offenses are classified as misdemeanors. However, additional circumstances, such as resisting arrest, providing false information, or prior criminal records, could potentially lead to more serious consequences.
Misdemeanor vs. Felony: Understanding the Differences
In Arizona, most underage drinking and fake ID charges are classified as Class 1 Misdemeanors, which is the most serious level of misdemeanor.
Class 1 Misdemeanor Penalties May Include:
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Fines up to $2,500 (plus surcharges)
- Probation
- Alcohol education or diversion programs
- Community service
Felony charges are rare for simple underage drinking or fake ID cases, but can occur under certain circumstances, such as:
- Multiple prior offenses
- Involvement in fraud schemes
- Providing false government documents (e.g., manufacturing fake IDs)
A felony conviction carries much harsher penalties, including potential prison time, loss of civil rights, and long-term impacts on employment and education opportunities.
Penalties for Underage Drinking and Fake ID Use in Arizona
Below is a visual breakdown of the potential penalties individuals may face:
Offense | Classification | Potential Penalties | Relevant Statute |
Minor in Possession (MIP) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months jail, $2,500 fine, probation, alcohol classes | ARS § 4-244(9) |
Underage Consumption | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Similar to MIP penalties | ARS § 4-244(41) |
Use of Fake ID | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Possible license suspension, fines, probation | ARS § 4-241 |
Title IV Violations: What They Mean for Bars and Restaurants
Title IV (Title 4) of the Arizona Revised Statutes governs liquor licenses and alcohol regulation. If an establishment knowingly serves alcohol to minors, allows minors entry without proper ID checks, or otherwise violates state liquor laws, it can face:
- Substantial civil fines
- Temporary suspension of its liquor license
- Permanent revocation of its liquor license
- Criminal charges against the responsible parties
The DLLC is investigating whether the bar involved in this operation will face penalties for failure to properly verify the ages of its patrons.
Repeat violations, or violations deemed “serious,” often result in license revocation – a potential end of business for many establishments that heavily rely on profits from liquor sales.
If Title IV violations are confirmed, it would represent not only financial penalties but also long-term reputational harm.
FAQs About Underage Drinking, Fake IDs, and Liquor Law Violations
Q: Will an underage drinking citation stay on my record?
A: Yes, unless it is dismissed or set aside. A conviction can affect job, scholarship, and housing applications.
Q: Can I go to jail for using a fake ID in Arizona?
A: Yes. Although jail time is uncommon for first offenses, the maximum penalty is up to 6 months in jail.
Q: Can I have my case dismissed if I complete alcohol education classes?
A: Some courts offer diversion programs that can lead to dismissal upon completion.
Q: Can a bar lose its license after just one incident?
A: Potentially. Serious or repeated violations under Title IV can result in suspension or revocation of a liquor license.
Q: How can an attorney help if I’m charged with underage drinking?
A: An attorney can negotiate diversion options, challenge the legality of the stop, or work to reduce charges to civil infractions.
Q: What happens if I had multiple fake IDs?
A: Having multiple fake IDs could lead to additional charges, including identity theft or fraud, which are more serious.
How CHM Law Can Help
Facing underage drinking or fake ID charges can have serious, lasting consequences, but you do not have to face them alone. At Colburn Hintze Maletta (CHM Law), our experienced criminal defense attorneys understand the stakes and work aggressively to protect our clients’ futures.
We offer free one-on-one consultations to review your case, explain your rights, and outline your options. Our team maintains strong relationships with prosecutors and courts throughout Maricopa County, and we are skilled negotiators in securing diversion options or reducing charges.
If you are a bar owner facing a potential Title IV violation, our team can also assist you in defending your liquor license and responding effectively to DLLC investigations.
Call CHM Law today at 602-825-2500 or visit our Contact Page to schedule a confidential consultation.
Important Things to Remember
- Underage drinking and use of fake IDs are Class 1 misdemeanors.
- Possession of multiple fake IDs or prior offenses could increase the seriousness of the charges.
- Title IV violations can have devastating effects on a bar or restaurant’s business.
- Many underage drinking cases may be eligible for diversion programs.
- A criminal defense attorney can help mitigate or even dismiss charges.
David Maletta is a widely respected criminal defense attorney with over 23 years of experience and has worked on over 1,000 cases and has successfully won over 100 jury trials. David graduated from Northern Arizona University, Magna Cum Laude in 1993 with a degree in Psychology. Shortly thereafter, he earned his Juris Doctor degree from Seton Hall University School of Law in 1998. He has extensive experience in criminal and DUI matters, homicide, sexually-based offenses, domestic violence, white-collar crimes, and various misdemeanor crimes.
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