Gibbons Law Firm: Legal Dangers of Underage Drinking

Just in time for National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week (October 19-25), we've dedicated this week's blog to share the dangers of underage drinking. While most colleges have a policy on alcohol on campus, it's sadly easy to find alcohol in the hands of minors on a college campus. Drinking under the age of 21 is illegal but a large number of high school and college students (under 21) still consume alcohol on a consistent basis. Take a look below to learn about some of the legal consequences of underage drinking and how Gibbons Law Firm can help if you find yourself in a similar situation.

This week is designated to raise awareness of the potential danger alcohol consumption can be for college students. Many programs are available to educate minors of the legal and personal issues that can result from drinking alcohol under the age of 21.

Legal Consequences of Underage Drinking

The legal drinking age in the United States is 21 years old. Individuals ages 20 and under are breaking the law if they consume alcohol, and as a result, they may be subject to legal consequences. These consequences may include:

Mandatory Community Service

If you are caught drinking under age, it is likely part of your punishment will be in the form of community service of some sort. If this is your first offense, a judge may give you the option to put in a certain amount of hours doing community service. During this time serving the community, you are to be thinking about the decision you made to break the law and how to avoid this type of action in the future.

Suspension of Driver's License

You can lose your driver's license if you are convicted of underage drinking. The revocation of your license can put a big damper on your social life. As many people rely on personal transportation for a number of reasons. Work, visiting family, going to school, traveling to friends - these are all popular reasons a person may need access to transportation. If you lose your license, you may have to rely on public transportation or friends and family to get you to and from your destination.

Criminal Fines

You may face hefty fines if you are caught drinking under the age of 21. These fines are not worth underage drinking. A fine can put a big strain on your financial situation. A young person typically does not have a big disposable income and a fine can be detrimental to your lifestyle.

Jail Time

Another potential punishment for underage drinking is to serve jail time. A criminal charge, like underage drinking, can follow a person around for a lifetime. This type of charge can make it hard to find a job, get insurance, and make major purchases in the future. Avoid being charged with a crime and serving time in jail - the future you will thank you!

If you find yourself faced with a criminal charge - like alcohol consumption under the age of 21 - our criminal defense attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks will be here help protect your rights. Here at Gibbons Law Firm, we work hard to help you avoid unnecessarily harsh consequences for your actions. Contact our Lake of the Ozarks law firm to learn how we can help represent your case.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.