It’s Summertime and the “livin’ is easy”. Underage college students are home and are probably having a beer or two with their friends. If under 18 and in the possession of or found purchasing alcohol, they could face up to $250 fine and/or up to 30 days in jail. Age 18-21 the fine could be $1000 and up to 6 months in jail as well as a license suspension if they are caught in a vehicle.  There are three exceptions to this rule:

  • There is a parent or guardian in their presence and have given their consent.
  • There is a legal aged spouse in their presence.
  • There are religious, educational or medical reasons

Parents all throughout time have bought, or furnished alcohol their underage children and friends. If caught doing so there is up to a $1000 fine and up to 6 months in jail. Parents cannot give alcohol to anyone underage unless it is to their own children. Often, parents of the underage friends give other parents the “OK” but this is not legal. Don’t allow a person underage to remain on your property or in your home if they possess alcohol, or you risk being charged. If a minor consumes alcohol at your home or on your property, and the minor gets into an accident and hurts themselves or others, the parents of that minor can sue you and you can be found liable for any damages caused by the minor’s actions. 

Just because a minor is accused of underage alcohol possession or consumption doesn’t make him a bad person—mistakes are made due to peer pressure, or the situation might have simply arisen out of a misunderstanding or out of false allegations. Whatever the circumstances are, it is in everyone’s best interests to work with a capable criminal defense attorney.

A good criminal defense attorney will look very closely at every detail of the case, including any evidence that prosecution is likely to use against you. Scott Rubenstein, a criminal defense attorney in Ohio will look at whether law enforcement officers carried out the correct procedures in searching you and your property and in making an arrest. If they did not, this can potentially help you get your case dismissed. He will also help you explore your various defense options and use the ones that provide you with the greatest benefit.

The Bottom Line: Everyone makes mistakes. This is probably a stressful time for you or your child and it is important to remember that there is help available. Scott Rubenstein will learn everything about your case and it’s his job as a criminal defense attorney in Ohio to work aggressively to protect your rights. Call: 513.260.2099