For many, having a large party or gathering of friends to celebrate Prom Night is a rite of passage.  Not all kids, but for many there is also the temptation to either have alcohol served, or to consume alcohol at these parties. As much as parents may not like to think about it, the truth is that many kids and teens try alcohol during their high school and college years, long before it is legal for them to drink it. Research has shown that nearly 80 percent of high school kids have tried alcohol.

21 is the legal drinking age in Ohio.   A minor can not acquire, possess, transport, or consumed alcohol.  These are all illegal acts. Ohio laws involving underage consumption and underage drunk driving are very harsh. If you are convicted of an underage consumption charge, you will obtain a criminal record. In turn, this can result in the loss of scholarships or other financial aid, as well as negatively impact future employment.

If there is consuming of alcohol on an adult’s property, or at the parents of the host, the adults may believe mistakenly that all they need to do to protect the kids is to take away their car keys so that no one attempts to drive drunk. Not so.  Ohio laws are slowly changing for “Social Hosts” making it easier for parents and other Social Hosts in Ohio to be arrested, charged, prosecuted, and convicted of permitting underage drinking. Charges can include first degree misdemeanor, which may result in up to a $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail.

A criminal conviction for underage drinking can not only damage your reputation, it can jeopardize your education, federal student aid, athletic or other scholarships, campus residence and potentially, your career. A criminal conviction will follow you and may prevent you from obtaining certain professional licenses or from working in certain occupations.  You need a good Criminal Defense Attorney who knows how to avoid or minimize these consequences for you.

Bottom Line:  Be careful.  Teens will make mistakes and youthful indiscretion should not be allowed to haunt you for the rest of your life. I can help.  Put my number in your cell phone: 513 260-2099