The traditional rites of spring – prom and graduation – can be exciting times when teens experience a taste of adulthood. But the use of alcohol or illegal drugs in celebration of these important events is also a good way to derail one’s future.
We all know consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons under 21 years of age 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 judgement 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 the 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 for underage consumption may have the mistaken belief that they can provide a safe environment for teen drinking. But to the contrary, parents or anyone who permits underage drinking on their premises may face civil or criminal liability for what happens to the minors. Adults who allow underage drinking should realize they are making parenting decisions for another person’s child. Additionally, parents who allow underage drinking are demonstrating to vulnerable minors that it is socially acceptable to ignore the law. Nothing good can come from adults permitting minors to consume alcoholic beverages.
This discussion about underage drinking is also 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 a person reports that 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 these circumstances, police cannot arrest the reporting person, or the reporting person 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 the reporting person:
- Stays with the injured person until help arrives;
- Cooperates with emergency responders and police when they arrive; and,
- Gives all requested information to police and emergency responders.
The Indiana Lifeline Law does NOT:
- Protect a homeowner where an offense has occurred;
- Create immunity for furnishing alcohol to a minor;
- Protect against a charge a 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 underage drinking; and,
- No one, including persons of legal age, should ever drink to excess.
Let’s all resolve to safely make this season’s prom and graduation celebrations what they are always intended to be: joyous occasions in a young person’s life for which there are no regrets.
By E. Nelson Chipman, Jr.
Marshall County Prosecuting Attorney
