Graduation is a major milestone in the life of a high school senior. They have worked hard throughout the years in order to obtain their diploma and now it’s time to celebrate their achievements with a party! While parents want to celebrate their child’s achievement, they also face concerns. They face the dilemma of whether to serve alcohol at a party they host or whether to send their child to a party where alcohol is being served. While you might have the mindset of my kid is going to drink anyways so I might as well let them drink at home where I can supervise them or you want to be the cool parent that lets your child and their friends drink, think again! This way of thinking could wind up with you being tossed in jail.
In Florida, there is zero-tolerance for underage drinking. Section 562.111 in the Florida Statutes, states “it is unlawful for any person under the age of 21 years to have in his or her possession an alcoholic beverage.” Those who are underage and are charged could face a second-degree misdemeanor charge. This could result in up to 60 days in jail, a fine of $500, and they could have their driver’s license suspended. A conviction could also have other ramifications such as impacting their school enrollment, financial aid, and future job prospects.
It is also illegal for adults to serve alcohol to minors, including their own children, even at their own home. Providing alcohol to a minor could lead to up to 60 days in jail along with the adult being held liable for any damages, injuries, or deaths caused by the intoxicated minor. Alcohol and a graduation party are a recipe for disaster. As a parent, it is your job to make sure that your child is safe and following the law whether at home or at a graduation party. The ramifications of underage drinking can haunt your child for years. Unfortunately, drinking could lead to DUI, to injury or death, to a sexual assault, date rape, assault, or battery.
Help make your child make good decisions by:
• Talking to them about the dangers of alcohol and what the results could be if it is consumed
• How to handle the pressure of being offered alcohol
• Let your child know that they can call you and you will pick them up with no questions asked/no ramifications
• Set up an Uber or Lyft account for your child so they can use a rideshare service to get home. Make sure that they have money to pay for the service
Graduation is a great achievement and should be celebrated safely. Here at 33rd Street Bail Bonds, we know that sometimes things don’t go as planned. If your loved one is behind bars and facing charges such as underage drinking, DUI, disorderly conduct, assault, battery, or more and you need a bail bond agency, please call us at 407-425-3303.
All of our bail bond agents are knowledgeable and experienced. They can guide you through the ins and outs of the bail bond process, answer your questions, and lend an empathetic ear.
33rd Street Bail Bonds has helped clients across Central Florida including those that reside in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, and Volusia counties. We have been helping people since 1971 and we can help you too. Please give us a call at 407-425-3303. We are the name you can trust.