State v. District Court

OPINION

MANNHEIMER, Judge.

With a few exceptions not relevant here, Alaska law forbids people under the age of 21 from drinking or possessing alcoholic beverages. AS 4.16.050(a). If a person between the ages of 13 and 17 is convicted of this offense, the sentencing court must revoke their driver’s license (or revoke their privilege to obtain a license, if they do not yet have one). AS 28.15.185(a)-(b). The question presented in this appeal is whether, because the offense carries this penalty, minors charged with under-age drinking or possession of alcohol are entitled to a jury trial and to…