>> Underage Drinking (05/07)

A Message from Sheriff Ted Mink

Summer is on its way, and it is often accompanied by a rise in underage drinking.  Graduation parties and long breaks from school can mean drinking in celebration or drinking just for something to do.

Underage drinking isn't new, but it can have serious consequences. 

What You Need to Know if You're Under 21
The Sheriff's Office tickets underage alcohol violators.  Anyone convicted will lose his or her license, based on state law.  Additionally, a judge can sentence an offender to community service, fines and/or alcohol education classes. 

"Baby DUI" is a term officers use to refer to an arrest of an underage drinker for driving under the influence.  The threshold is lower for a baby DUI than for adult DUI.  A baby DUI applies to anyone under age 21 whose blood alcohol content (BAC) is .02 or higher, whereas the DUI minimum for adults is .08.  A BAC of .02 can result from one drink.  State law dictates that anyone convicted of an underage DUI offense will lose his or her driver's license.

In most cases, a minor's tolerance for alcohol is lower than an adult's.  This element, combined with youth pressure or desire to binge drink, can lead to trouble, the least of which is feeling sick.  Problems associated with excessive drinking (not unique to youth) include blacking out, alcohol poisoning, propensity toward violence, and drunk driving resulting in accidents.  Also, the Sheriff's Office has seen several cases in recent years involving teens sexually assaulted at parties who were so intoxicated that they could not defend themselves against their attacker.

Your school resource officers (SROs) will not be taking the summer off.  They will join other deputies working normal districts throughout the summer.  SROs can be particularly effective in handling summertime issues involving teens, because they are familiar with many of the students from school. 

Even when school is out, your SRO is still a resource for you.  Your school resource officer can answer questions about teen drinking and driving laws, and can talk to you about making safe decisions and helping your friends do the same.  As you get ready for summer, keep in mind that temporary fun can have permanent consequences.

What Parents Need to Know
If you suspect that your child has a problem with drinking or drugs, the Jefferson County Juvenile Assessment Center can provide help or references.  Learn more at www.jeffcojac.org.

For more information on underage drinking, visit the following Web sites: 
International Institute for Alcohol Awareness: www.iiaaonline.org
Alive at 25: www.aliveat25.us

Message From the Sheriff Archive

Last Modified: Mar 28, 2009 10:17 PM