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Punishment for Drinking Underage
Written by Administrator Friday, 15 August 2008 16:45 |
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Punishment for underage drinking can be quite severe, but it varies from state to state. There are around three million young people in the United States who have a severe drinking problem. In California the minimum drinking age is 21, and it is against the law to sell or transfer alcoholic beverages to anyone under 21. California law establishes any drink that is at least one half of one percent of alcohol as an alcoholic beverage. The punishment for underage drinking in California varies, but the offender may be found guilty of an infraction or a misdemeanor. Also, minors between the ages of 13 and 21 who violate the underage drinking laws may have their driver’s license suspended, revoked, or delayed up to one year per offense pertaining to the possession, consumption, or purchase of alcohol. For their first offense the punishment for underage drinking could be fines up to $250 or between 24 and 32 hours of community service. If they are convicted a second time, they will be punished by a fine of up to $500 or between 36 and 48 hours of community service. Punishment for underage drinking and driving in California is a very serious offense and often entails the payment of a hefty fine, mandatory jail time, and the suspense or revocation of a driver’s license.
In New Jersey, the punishment for underage drinking is severe. If a minor is caught consuming an alcoholic beverage then they can face a fine not less than $500, suspension or a delay with driving privileges for 6 months if the violation is committed in a vehicle. If alcohol is brought onto school campuses, the fine can be up to $1000 and/or up to 6 months in prison.
In Texas, if a minor is caught driving while intoxicated, the punishment for underage drinking is a fine between $500 and $2000, imprisonment up to 180 days, or both. They could also be ordered to complete between 20 and 40 hours of community service if it’s a first offense, or between 40 and 60 hours of community service if the minor has been previously convicted of DUI. Their community service has to pertain to education about or the prevention of misuse of alcohol.
The punishment for underage drinking can vary widely from state to state. The one thing most states have in common is the minimum drinking age of 21. If those under 21 are caught consuming alcohol, then they can expect some serious punishment for their violation. |
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| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 17 September 2008 16:59 ) | |
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