California Statute of Limitations for Underage Drinking

In California, underage drinking (Business & Professions Code § 25658, 25662) is a misdemeanor. The statute of limitations is one year from the date of the offense.

This means the prosecutor must file charges within 12 months. For related offenses (furnishing alcohol to minor, DUI), different limits may apply. Civil liability (dram shop) has a two-year limit.