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POSS MTBV/U-WN BY 19/20 – What It Means & How to Fight the Charge in Greensboro & High Point, NC

If you’ve been charged with POSS MTBV/U-WN BY 19/20 in Greensboro or High Point, NC, you may be wondering what it means and how it can affect your future. This charge stands for Possession of Malt Beverage or Unfortified Wine by a Person Under 19 or 20 Years Old—a common underage alcohol offense in North Carolina.

At Garrett, Walker, Aycoth & Olson, Attorneys at Law, our experienced criminal defense lawyers help young adults fight underage alcohol charges, avoid a permanent criminal record, and minimize legal penalties.

What Does POSS MTBV/U-WN BY 19/20 Mean in North Carolina?

The charge POSS MTBV/U-WN BY 19/20 is an abbreviation used in North Carolina court records to describe:

  • POSS – Possession
  • MTBV – Malt Beverage (Beer, Ale, etc.)
  • U-WN – Unfortified Wine (Regular Wine)
  • BY 19/20 – Charged individual is 19 or 20 years old

In North Carolina, anyone under 21 is prohibited from possessing or consuming alcohol, but the law treats 19- and 20-year-olds differently than those under 18.

This offense is typically charged under N.C. General Statute § 18B-302(b), which makes it illegal for a 19- or 20-year-old to possess malt beverages or unfortified wine.

Common Situations Leading to This Charge:

  • Being caught with beer or wine at a college party, concert, or bar
  • Holding alcohol for a friend who is 21
  • Transporting alcohol in a car with underage passengers
  • Police discovering alcohol in your dorm room, car, or backpack

Penalties for POSS MTBV/U-WN BY 19/20 in Greensboro & High Point, NC

Is Possession of Beer or Wine by a 19- or 20-Year-Old a Misdemeanor?

Yes. In North Carolina, Possession of Malt Beverage or Unfortified Wine by a 19- or 20-Year-Old is classified as a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Possible Consequences of a Conviction:

🔴 Fines of up to $200 – The court may impose financial penalties.
🔴 Court Costs & Fees – Additional expenses in the legal process.
🔴 Alcohol Education Program (ADETS) – Some offenders must complete an Alcohol & Drug Education Traffic School course.
🔴 Criminal Record – A Class 3 misdemeanor stays on your criminal record unless it’s expunged.
🔴 Jail Time – A Class 3 misdemeanor may result in jail time – please be careful.
🔴 Driver’s License Consequences – If convicted, your license could be suspended if it involves alcohol-related offenses while driving.

❗ Important: A misdemeanor conviction can appear on background checks for jobs, college applications, and professional licenses.

Can You Get a POSS MTBV/U-WN BY 19/20 Charge Dismissed?

Yes! Many first-time offenders can avoid a conviction by using one of these legal strategies:

✅ Lack of Possession – If the alcohol was not physically in your possession, you may be able to fight the charge.
✅ Unlawful Search & Seizure – If the police violated your rights, we can challenge evidence suppression.
✅ Mistaken Identity – If the alcohol belonged to someone else, we can argue you were wrongly accused.
✅ Deferred Prosecution – Many first-time offenders qualify for diversion programs that result in dismissal after completing certain conditions (such as community service or an alcohol class).

Our Greensboro and High Point underage alcohol defense attorneys have successfully helped clients get charges dismissed or reduced to non-criminal offenses.

What Happens in Court for a POSS MTBV/U-WN BY 19/20 Charge?

If charged in Greensboro or High Point, your case will be heard in Guilford County District Court. Here’s what to expect:

1️⃣ First Appearance – You will be given a court date, and an attorney can negotiate on your behalf.
2️⃣ Plea Bargaining – Many cases result in dismissal or reduced charges if handled correctly.
3️⃣ Possible Trial – If the case is not resolved early, it may go to trial, where we will fight for an acquittal.
4️⃣ Expungement Eligibility – If dismissed, you can erase the charge from your record permanently.

Can You Expunge a POSS MTBV/U-WN BY 19/20 Charge?

Yes! If this is your first offense, you may qualify for an expungement under North Carolina law. An expungement removes the charge from your record, helping protect future opportunities for employment and education.

Our Greensboro expungement lawyers can handle the entire process to clear your record.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ Is underage alcohol possession a felony in NC?
🔹 No. This charge is a Class 3 misdemeanor, the lowest level misdemeanor in North Carolina.

❓ Can a lawyer get my POSS MTBV/U-WN BY 19/20 charge dismissed?
🔹 Yes! A skilled criminal defense lawyer can fight for a dismissal, especially for first-time offenders.

❓ Does a POSS MTBV/U-WN BY 19/20 charge affect my driver’s license?
🔹 It can, especially if it involves drinking while driving. We can help protect your driving privileges.

❓ How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for this charge?
🔹 The cost depends on the complexity of the case, but our firm offers affordable defense strategies.

Contact a Greensboro & High Point Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

If you’ve been charged with POSS MTBV/U-WN BY 19/20 in Greensboro or High Point, you need an experienced defense attorney to fight for you.

At Garrett, Walker, Aycoth & Olson, Attorneys at Law, we have helped hundreds of young adults avoid criminal records and minimize penalties for underage alcohol possession.

📞 Call us now at 336-379-0539 for a FREE consultation or contact us online to discuss your case.

🚀 Don’t let one mistake affect your future—let us help you protect your rights!