Last week The Review ran the first part in this three part series on the dangers of underage drinking. This week marks the consequences that can be associated with drinking for both minors and their parents.
To some teenagers it may be just a simple drink, but there is nothing simple about the consequences associated to underage drinking.
Michele Novak, substance abuse prevention advisor for Lake Orion High School, is teaming up with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department, Lake Orion Police Department and Judge Lisa Asadoorian of 52-3 District Court to make sure that students and parents are aware of the consequences of underage drinking.
As part of their campaign, ‘Parents Who Host Lose the Most ? Don’t Be a Party to Teenage Drinking,? they are reminding everyone that there are strict laws and consequences for both teens and their parents when it comes to underage individuals consuming alcohol.
For teenagers, the results of drinking before legal age can have consequences that may surprise them.
According to Michigan law, ‘it is illegal for a person under the age of 21 to consume alcohol, have any bodily alcohol content, have alcohol in their possession regardless if they consumed or not, use a fake ID to obtain alcohol, transport an unopened alcohol container in a motor vehicle, possess or transfer an opened alcohol container in a motor vehicle or allow an intoxicated person to use your motor vehicle.?
The result of breaking these laws can result in a ‘Minor In Possession,? or MIP, to be issued. The consequences of being issued a MIP can result in fines, parent notification and court imposed requirements for education, treatment, screening and community service. Also, the minor is entered into a statewide tracking system through the Secretary of State.
‘Believe it or not, even if you don’t have a driver license yet, it can affect your driver’s license,? Novak said. ‘Any sort of alcohol related offense affects your driving record, even if you are caught with an MIP inside of a house where there is no car or driver’s license involved. It is still turned over to Secretary of State.?
The consequences don’t end there.
‘You are involved in the court system and it’s a lot of time and money and treatment,? Novak said.
She added that as a 17-year-old or older, you are considered an adult, which means a trip to district court. This could result in losing your driver license, jail time and expensive fees.
‘Michigan has a zero tolerance law,? Novak said. ‘A half a beer, or five sips of beer or alcohol, is considered legally intoxicated for anyone under the age of 21. If you drink a half of beer, you’re considered legally drunk.?
It is also important, she noted, that they don’t plead alcohol related offenses down in Michigan anymore.
‘The judges, the prosecutors, the community doesn’t tolerate it,? she said.
While the consequences are stiff for minors, adults are also faced with the repercussions of underage drinking.
According to Michigan law, for parents and other adults ‘it is illegal to provide alcohol to minors, even in your own home.? It is also illegal to provide a fake ID to anyone under the age of 21.
Michigan law also says that as an adult, ‘you are legally responsible for anything that might happen to a minor who has been served alcohol in your home, you may be subject to criminal prosecution and fines and if you furnish alcohol to a minor you may be liable for monetary damages caused by that individual.?
According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department, providing alcohol to a minor is a misdemeanor that can result in a fine up to $1,000 and up to 60 days in jail. If the consumption of alcohol that was provided to the minor is a direct cause of that person’s death, it is a felony that is punishable by up to 10 years in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
‘Especially around the graduation and summer timeframe, parents need to familiarize themselves with their role and the potential liabilities involved,? said Donnis Reese, Executive Director of the Alliance of Coalitions for Healthy Communities.
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard wants to remind parents and other adults of their responsibilities in the face of underage drinking.
‘I strongly encourage anyone who is a witness to underage drinking or knows of a party hosted by a parent where underage drinking is occurring to report it to your local police department,? said Bouchard.
‘While you may have the best intentions when hosting a party in a young person’s honor, having a gathering where alcohol is available to minors is a big mistake, and could result in your arrest or worse yet, a tragedy resulting in the death or injury of innocent people. Sadly we have lost numerous young people after graduation parties just as they are about to embark on the adult future.?
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Check out next week’s issue of The Lake Orion Review for the final installment in this three part series, including a special editorial.
Next week: The community effort behind keeping minors safe.