How Underage Drinking Can Impact Your Child

 Posted on September 28, 2019 in Juvenile

Raising a child is never easy, raising a teenager can come with even more unforeseen challenges. Parents of teens constantly worry about their child drinking underage, for good reason too. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, teens aged 12 to 20 consume approximately 11% of the nation’s alcohol. While the vast majority of underage drinking concerns revolve around the health implications of alcohol consumption, the legal ramifications of an underage drinking charge can drastically change your child’s life.

Underage Drinking Charges in Illinois

In the state of Illinois, underage drinking comes with significant criminal punishments. According to state law, consumption or purchase of alcohol by a minor constitutes a Class A Misdemeanor. A Class A Misdemeanor can lead to up to one year in jail-time and fines as high as $2,500. Your child could also face a six-month license suspension, even if the minor was not operating a vehicle. Outside of the initial legal consequences, a conviction of this magnitude can impact your child’s options of advanced education opportunities.

There a number of ways in which underage drinking can come with even more severe criminal charges. If a minor attempts to purchase alcohol with a fake identification card, they may be facing felony charges. When a child is apprehended while driving under the influence of alcohol, the charges can significantly impact them for some time.

According to Illinois’ “No Tolerance Law,’ a person under the age of 21 can be charged with a DUI even if their blood alcohol content is below the legal limit of 0.08. A first conviction can result in loss of driving privileges for two years, as much as one year in prison, and fines up to $2,500. If a minor is apprehended again, the criminal charges are likely to increase. For instance, a third conviction will result in a loss of driving privileges for 10 years, and Class 4 felony charges.

Contact a Naperville Underage Drinking Attorney

Recognizing the consequences of underaged drinking charges, it is important to seek out the assistance of a quality legal professional. Attorney Patricia Magaña has years of experience helping clients facing criminal charges. Through aggressive representation, Attorney Magaña will do everything in her power to help you avoid a conviction or lessen the severity of any potential charges. To schedule a complimentary initial consultation with a skilled DuPage County criminal defense attorney, call us today at 630-448-2001.

Sources:

https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/underage-drinking

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/traffic_safety/DUI/uselose.html