Underage drinking is a serious issue that continues to affect communities across Florida. With strict laws in place to combat this problem, it is important for both parents and young people to be aware of the laws and legal consequences if laws are violated.
Five Ways to Prevent Teenage Drinking
- Parents Converse with Your Kids – Discuss the topic over time as an ongoing conversation in the context of health, safety, peer pressure, and making good choices just like you would other topics of concern. This is not a one time lecture.
- Learn the Facts and Share Them – Educate yourself and your children about the harmful effects of alcohol to their brains and physical well being especially in these years when they are still growing and developing. Learn about the dangers of over consumption.
- Discuss the Risks – Talk about the law and legal consequences if arrested for drinking. Talk about driving while impaired and the chances of an inexperienced driver getting in an accident. Talk about the horrific possibility of killing themselves, their passengers, or other innocent drivers sharing the road.
- Know the Warning Signs – As a parent, be aware of signs that your teen has a drinking problem. Falling grades, cutting ties with old friends, or losing interest in a favorite sport could be signs your teen is struggling with alcohol or drugs. Anxiety, loneliness, peer pressure, and bullying can lead your teen to look for ways to hide their pain and declining mental health. Make sure your child feels safe talking with you so that you can get them help. Get professional help or locate resources to guide your steps such as Parents Empowered or M.A.D.D (Mothers Against Drunk Driving).
- Create an Escape Plan – Teens want to make the right choices, but sometimes they need a little help to get out of a bad situation without losing face with their friends. Help them by creating a plan your child can use to signal they need your help.
For more tips, visit Talk It Out, a non profit organization dedicated to stopping underage drinking.
Understanding Florida’s Approach to Underage Drinking
Lets discuss here the implications of underage drinking under Florida laws, and the associated criminal offenses. As skilled criminal defense lawyers in West Palm Beach, Florida, we at Farkas and Crowley understand that being arrested as a juvenile can cause fear and embarrassment. Whether a DUI arrest or underage drinking, we know the desire parents feel to protect and provide support for juveniles who break the law and will do our best to defend our clients and protect their rights.
Florida takes underage drinking seriously, and there are specific laws in place to deter and punish individuals who engage in this illegal activity. The legal drinking age in Florida is 21, and anyone found consuming alcohol under that age can face severe penalties. It is important for parents to educate their children about the dangers of underage drinking and the legal ramifications they may face.
DUI: Driving Under the Influence
One of the most serious offenses associated with underage drinking is driving under the influence (DUI). Florida has strict DUI laws that apply to individuals of all ages, but the consequences are particularly severe for underage drivers. If a person under the age of 21 is found to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.02% or higher, they can be charged with DUI. This less than the BAC of 0.08% than for drivers over 21 and is basically a “zero tolerance” policy. The penalties for underage DUI can include fines, mandatory alcohol education programs, community service, and even jail time. It certainly includes license suspension and can include delay of eligibility for driver license for an extended period of time.
Drinking If Underage: Illegal and Risky
Apart from the DUI offense, simply consuming alcohol when under the legal drinking age is also illegal in Florida. Minors under the legal drinking age caught breaking this law may face charges, which can result in fines, probation, mandatory substance abuse programs, and other consequences. Unfortunately being drunk can also lead to other crimes such as vandalism, assault, or theft.
Also Florida Statutes 562.11 outlines that “Serving, selling, or allowing alcohol to be served to anyone under 21 is a misdemeanor in the second degree.” Conviction of this crime comes with has penalty of up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. Furthermore Florida does not allow parents to authorize underage alcohol possession at home.
It is essential for parents and children to have frank and open conversations about the dangers of drinking and the potential long term problems if arrested. Parents can help by setting a good and responsible example for their children.
Farkas and Crowley – West Palm Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer
When it comes to navigating the legal system, having experienced and knowledgeable attorneys by your side can make a significant difference. Farkas and Crowley is a law firm that is led by Adam Farkas and Jacqueline Crowley. They have dedicated their careers to those in need of legal help. Their experience as criminal prosecutors make them uniquely qualified in the arena of criminal defense. Additionally they have experience and knowledge in both family law and in personal injury cases.
If you require immediate assistance or legal representation regarding underage drinking or any other criminal defense matter, don’t hesitate to contact Farkas and Crowley, P.A. at (561)-444-9529 for immediate assistance. Our attorneys are available 24/7 to provide guidance, answer your questions, and offer the support you need during challenging times.
