When it comes to underage drinking, there are a lot of things that parents don’t want to think about. What happens if their child gets caught with alcohol by the police? Will they go to jail? Will they be kicked out of the house? What kind of legal trouble could they get into?

Unfortunately, these are all valid questions that parents need to be prepared for. If your child is caught drinking alcohol, they could face a number of legal consequences. Apart from alcohol, if your child is caught with drugs or cigarettes, they will also face legal penalties.

The severity of the consequences will depend on a number of factors, including the child’s age, the amount of alcohol they were caught with, and whether they have any prior convictions. Additionally, the consequences will also vary depending on which state you live in.

Minor in Possession (MIP)

If your child is caught with alcohol, they will be charged with a MIP. In most states, the legal drinking age is 21. This means that if your child is caught with alcohol and they are under 21, they will be charged with a MIP.

The penalties for a MIP can vary from state to state, but they usually involve a fine and/or community service. In some states, a MIP can also result in the child’s driver’s license being suspended. As the folks behind The Terry Law Firm say, your life can change in the blink of an eye, so you need to be prepared. Plus, once your child has a MIP on their record, it can be difficult to get into college or find a job.

Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor (CODM)

If you are caught providing alcohol to a minor, you could be charged with CODM. This is a serious charge that can result in jail time and/or a fine. The penalties for CODM are much more severe than those for a MIP.

For example, in the state of California, the penalties for CODM can include up to one year in jail and/or a $2,500 fine. In Florida, the penalties for CODM can include up to five years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.

Fake ID

If your child uses a fake ID to try to buy alcohol, they can be charged with a misdemeanour. The penalties for this crime can include a fine and/or community service. Additionally, the child’s driver’s license could be suspended.

Another consequence of using a fake ID is that it can lead to problems down the road. For example, if your child uses a fake ID and they are caught, they could have trouble getting into college or getting a job.

Drinking and driving

If your child is caught drinking and driving, they will be charged with a DUI. The penalties for a DUI can vary from state to state, but they usually involve a fine and/or jail time. Additionally, the child’s driver’s license will be suspended.

A DUI can also lead to problems down the road. For example, your child could have trouble getting into college or getting a job.

Additionally, a DUI can also lead to insurance rate increases. Your child’s car insurance rates could go up by as much as 50%.

Public intoxication

If your child is caught drinking in public, they could be charged with public intoxication. The penalties for this crime can include a fine and/or community service.

Also, if your child is charged with public intoxication, it will go on their criminal record. This can make it difficult for them to get into college or get a job.

Disorderly conduct

If your child is caught drinking and causing a disturbance, they could be charged with disorderly conduct. For example, if your child is caught drinking and causing a fight, they could be charged with disorderly conduct.

The penalties for disorderly conduct can include a fine and/or community service. Additionally, the child’s criminal record will be impacted. Also, if your child is charged with disorderly conduct, it could make it difficult for them to get into college or get a job. Just remember, a little bit of alcohol can lead to a lot of trouble.

As you can see, there are a number of legal consequences that your child could face if they are caught drinking. It is important to be aware of these consequences so that you can be prepared. If your child is caught drinking, the best thing to do is to contact a lawyer. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and protect your child’s rights.

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