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Alcohol and drugs don't mix with prom and graduation
The traditional rites of spring -- prom and graduation -- can be exciting times when teens experience a taste of adulthood. But use of alcohol or illegal drugs are a good way to derail one's future.
We all know consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons under 21 is illegal, but many teens don't appreciate that drinking reduces inhibitions and leads to bad decisions, whether it's driving under the influence or putting oneself in vulnerable situations. Once drinking starts, reduced judgment can lead to overindulgence and even alcohol poisoning.
Persons under 21 who get arrested may lose college scholarships or even college acceptance. If one happens to be a 21st-Century Scholar, the negative effects can be huge with loss of benefits a student has worked hard to achieve. An arrest and conviction for underage drinking can lead to jail, fines, embarrassment and loss of military eligibility as well.
Parents who host parties where alcohol is available to underaged consumption have the mistaken belief that they can provide a safe environment for underaged drinking. Parents or anyone who allows underage drinking on their premises may face civil or criminal liability for what happens to minors. Adults who allow underage drinking should realize they might be making parting decisions for another person's child. Would they want other parents to decide what is right or wrong for their child? Additionally, parents who allow underaged drinking are showing vulnerable minors that it's OK to break the law.
A discussion about underage partying is a good opportunity to clarify the Indiana Lifeline Law (7.1-5-1-6.5). The Lifeline Law arises out of offenses involving alcohol and when someone:
| * | Is in need of emergency medical assistance, |
| * | Has been the victim of a sex crime, or |
| * | Has reported what they believe to be a crime. |
Under the above circumstances, police cannot arrest someone or they may not be prosecuted for:
| * | Illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor, |
| * | Public intoxication, or |
| * | Intoxication on a common carrier (such as a bus). |
AS LONG AS THEY:
| * | Stay with the injured person until help arrives, |
| * | Cooperate with emergency responders and police, and |
| * | Give requested information to police. |
The Indiana Lifeline Law does not:
| * | Protect a homeowner where the offense occurred, |
| * | Create immunity for furnishing alcohol to a minor, |
| * | Protect against a charge of maintaining a common nuisance, or |
| * | Provide an exemption for the crime of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. |
The best course of action is to wait until you are of legal age to consume alcohol, not open one's home to underaged drinking and no one, including persons of legal age, should drink to excess.