Consequences Of Underage Drinking In Kansas
“So bye, bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
And them good ole boys were drinking whiskey ‘n rye
Singin’ this’ll be the day that I die
This’ll be the day that I die”
-“American Pie” by Don Mclean
Unfortunately, though perhaps not what Mclean had intentioned the song to capture, there are good ole boys and girls who do drink whiskey ‘n rye. This becomes an issue not just with the huge potential for legal action against a juvenile who drinks, purchases, or drives under the influence but for their safety and those around them as well. Kansas law is not kind to those who drink underage and serious and sever punishments can be faced by these individuals that mars their future with a dark mark on what should be an otherwise bright future.
Possible Repercussions if a Minor, someone under 21, is in Possession and/or Consumption of Alcohol:
- License may be suspended up to a year.
- A fine or fines going up to $500
- 40 hours of community service
The above consequences are if the minor is very fortunate to have only been found drinking/possessing an alcoholic beverage or beverages. It escalates quickly once other factors are involved such as fake I.D.s, or DUI.
Possible Repercussions if a Minor uses a fake or someone else’s Identification to obtain Alcohol:
- $1000 in fines
- And an entire YEAR in jail
In the event that this is your first offense, and you were attempting to drive with a blood alcohol count of .08 there are some serious possible repercussions.
- Up to One year suspension of your Driver’s license and additional restrictions
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Hours of Community Service
- Treatments for substance abuse
- Vehicle impoundment may be up to one year
- If transporting someone under the age of 14 years, another month will be added to the jail sentence.
Beyond Legal Consequences
It is possible for someone to get hurt, yourself or someone else from drinking while under the age of 21, such as alcohol poisoning, or abuse of other drugs.
If you child has been arrested for underage drinking, you want an attorney at your side you can trust – one whose presence is respected by the opposing side. Contact an Overland, Kansas, lawyer at (913) 780-6666 to schedule a free initial consultation. Let’s talk over your situation and present a strong defense against any juvenile crime charge.
Kansas Underage Drinking Tipline – Consequences. (2012). Retrieved July 1, 2015, from http://www.1866mustb21.com/consequences/