The semester's over! Final exams are finally out of the way, so this means it's time to party, right? If you're attending some parties this year before heading home or for the holidays, know that your "participation" could lead to some pretty serious criminal charges...
Underage Drinking
Underage drinking by the numbers
Underage drinking is a continuing and severe public health problem in the United States. Alcohol is the most abused substance by underage Americans. Furthermore, alcohol is linked to a variety of criminal activities and under-performance in school.According to a study...
The four “Alcohol Crimes”
There are four basic "alcohol" crimes, public intoxication, open container, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and minor in possession. For minors, these charges can carry steep consequences, including a suspended license or impact their chances of getting...
Parents can be sued for hosting underage drinking
Underage drinking, aside from being illegal, can also put parents at risk of criminal charges and a lawsuit. A Maryland couple who permitted underage drinking at their home now may face civil suits, according to Maryland's highest court. This post will address the...
Zero tolerance laws explained
You are driving along. You don't feel drunk or even buzzed, but you did have a beer. A police officer pulls you over because of a moving violation. The officer notices your red eyes and asks to administer a breathalyzer. You consent because you are definitely below...
Family conflict and its connection to underage drinking
A study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs examined what causes adolescent (ages 12 to 14) to drink. The study followed 886 boys and girls from ages 12 to 14. The study found that family conflict is a strong factor associated with early drinking...
Study finds alcohol in films contributes to underage drinking
A study conducted on 15-year-olds found that those who had been most exposed to alcohol use in the movies were more likely to have tried alcohol in their lives. The study also noted that these teenagers were also twice as likely to binge drink. This post will go over...
Underage drinking by the numbers
Alcohol is by far, the drug of choice among adolescents. Unfortunately, the costs of drinking alcohol could affect your child's future, health, and development. According to a study out of the National Institute of Health, approximately 5,000 young people (those under...
The legal limits of underage drinking
Zero tolerance laws aren?t the only restriction on drinking for minors. Many states have also enacted "minor in possession" or "minor in consumption" laws. These laws criminalize a minor possessing or being affected by alcohol. Think of these as similar to drug laws;...
Signs that your child is drinking
Children will experiment, rebel and grow. It is an inevitable part of growing up. Everyone goes through it in his or her own way. The trick for parents is to allow their children to grow in a safe way. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn't. One of the first...