Anyone under the age of 21 who operates any vehicle while consuming or having consumed any amount of alcohol will be arrested.
A minor being arrested for underage drinking must make a college or job aware of the violation when applying for admission or a position.
A minor caught drinking and driving under the age of 21 will have that violation recorded on his or her driving record. (Though the minor will not receive a criminal record for the violation, they may be charged criminally if they injure someone else as a result of their actions.)
Underage impaired driving results in a loss of license for two months or a $200 fine if a minor is driving without a license (first offense). Penalties for minors with a Blood Alcohol Concentration of .08 or higher may face more severe penalties.
A minor age 18 – 21 with a blood alcohol concentration over .08 is treated like an adult and will lose his or her license for one year.
If a minor is arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, he or she will be required to complete an alcohol/drug treatment program with a fee of $600.
Underage consumption or possession results in a loss of license for one month or a $100 fine if unlicensed.
Using false identification results in a fine up to $500 or 30 days in jail if fine is not paid.
Entering a bar or package store underage results in a $50 fine.
Providing a minor with alcohol results in a fine up to $500 and 40 hours of community service.
Parents who host parties for minors may also be held liable in civil court if any of those underage persons are killed or injured, or if they injure another person. The parents will be held liable for medical bills, property damage, emotional pain and suffering, and more.
