Georgia teens might expect to get into a little trouble if their parents find out that they have been sneaking alcohol or purchasing alcohol from an older friend, but many teens do not realize how easy it is to also get into serious legal trouble for underage drinking, especially if underage DUI charges are involved.
Earlier this month, 24 teens were cited for underage drinking after police busted an after-prom party at a Georgia woman’s home. None of the teens involved in the incident were cited for underage DUI, which can carry severe consequences including spending a day in jail and the suspension of one’s license. The owner of the home, a mother of one of the high school students, faces possible jail time though after she was arrested for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
The woman’s daughter claims that all of the high school students who were drinking at her home after prom had purchased their own alcohol. The teen said that her mother was not aware that the teens were drinking in her home until she caught them with alcohol. However, police arrested the mother because they believed that she could have done more to stop the teens from drinking in her home.
The mother now faces a maximum fine of $1,000 and a maximum sentence of one year in jail. The teens charged with underage drinking will most likely be required to pay a fine and be required to serve community service hours and probation.
As many other high school students get ready for prom season this year, they might want to consider the serious consequences they could face if they are caught drinking at their dances or at after-prom parties. Parents should also be aware of the legal trouble they too could face if they are caught providing teens with alcohol this prom season.
Source: WJBF News Channel 6, “Daughter Speaks Out After Mom’s Arrest In Prom After Party,” April 16, 2012