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What if I am busted when I am simply trying to buy alcohol?

In this case, it is likely that you will be charged under RCW 66.44.290, which is the Washington law that specifically deals with minors purchasing or attempting to purchase alcohol.

Purchasing or attempting to purchase alcohol while being under 21 is a criminal misdemeanor here in Washington State and is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and $1,000 fine.

Here is the actual Washington Statute under which you will likely be charged if it is alleged that you tried to purchase alcohol while under 21 years of age.

RCW 66.44.290

Minor purchasing or attempting to purchase liquor — Penalty.

(1) Every person under the age of twenty-one years who purchases or attempts to purchase liquor shall be guilty of a violation of this title. This section does not apply to persons between the ages of eighteen and twenty-one years who are participating in a controlled purchase program authorized by the liquor control board under rules adopted by the board. Violations occurring under a private, controlled purchase program authorized by the liquor control board may not be used for criminal or administrative prosecution.

(2) An employer who conducts an in-house controlled purchase program authorized under this section shall provide his or her employees a written description of the employer's in-house controlled purchase program. The written description must include notice of actions an employer may take as a consequence of an employee's failure to comply with company policies regarding the sale of alcohol during an in-house controlled purchase.

(3) An in-house controlled purchase program authorized under this section shall be for the purposes of employee training and employer self-compliance checks. An employer may not terminate an employee solely for a first-time failure to comply with company policies regarding the sale of alcohol during an in-house controlled purchase program authorized under this section.

(4) Every person between the ages of eighteen and twenty, inclusive, who is convicted of a violation of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable as provided by RCW 9A.20.021, except that a minimum fine of two hundred fifty dollars shall be imposed and any sentence requiring community restitution shall require not fewer than twenty-five hours of community restitution.

[2003 c 53 § 301; 2001 c 295 § 1; 1965 c 49 § 1; 1955 c 70 § 4. Prior: 1935 c 174 § 6(1); 1933 ex.s. c 62 § 37(1); RRS § 7306-37(1).]

Notes:
Intent -- Effective date -- 2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.

Washington MIP