Spring Break and Underage Drinking: Legal Ramifications for Minors and Adults in New Haven

On campuses across New Haven and throughout the state of Connecticut students are preparing to head home for spring break. For those that are of age, meaning 21 years or older, alcohol is a legal way to celebrate and they should do so responsibly. For those that are not of age, and their parents, there are quite a few ramifications that could be faced if an underage person is found to have been drinking. The ramifications get even more serious if that person causes harm or injury to others or the property of others. Add in a situation where the drinker has been driving and not only might someone get injured but the minor may also need a New Haven DUI defense attorney to protect her/his rights.

Spring break can be an exciting time for college students to see old friends, spend time at old haunts and even have a party or two. It can be a nerve racking time for parents who must make sure that their underage child is not drinking alcohol and equally as important is not getting behind the wheel of a vehicle if she/he have been drinking. This type of shared responsibility for the child is one that requires trust and supervision by the adult in order to maintain safety for all involved.

If you are a parent and you have a spring breaker coming home after some time at college you should be aware of some of the issues that you might find yourself in if your child consumes alcohol illegally.

Furnishing Alcohol to Minors Carries Significant Penalties for Adults: Adults in Connecticut who provide alcohol to individuals under 21, whether intentionally or knowingly allowing it to occur on their property, face serious legal consequences. These can include hefty fines, potential jail time, and civil liability if the minor causes injury or damage.

Fake IDs are a Serious Offense: Using or possessing a fake identification card to purchase or attempt to purchase alcohol in Connecticut is a criminal offense for minors. This can result in arrest, a criminal record, fines, and suspension of driving privileges.

Social Host Liability: Connecticut has “social host” laws that can hold adults responsible if underage individuals consume alcohol on their property, even if the adult didn’t directly provide the alcohol. This liability can extend to injuries or damages caused by the intoxicated minor.

Consequences Beyond the Law: Beyond legal penalties, underage drinking during spring break in Connecticut can lead to other serious issues such as alcohol poisoning, injuries from accidents, risky behaviors, and negative impacts on academic and future opportunities.

Increased Law Enforcement Awareness During Spring Break: Law enforcement in Connecticut and surrounding areas often increase patrols and awareness during spring break to curb underage drinking and related incidents, particularly around popular gathering spots and beaches.

One of the most dangerous things any person, of age or underage, can do when drinking alcohol is to get behind the wheel of a car. If you are on spring break and you are facing the choice of whether or not to get behind the wheel after you have been drinking you should always choose to not get behind the wheel and to either have a designated driver or rely on a ride share service like Uber. If you get behind the wheel of a car, not only could you hurt someone but you could also get into serious trouble and then be in need of a New Haven DUI Defense Attorney who will need to work with you to understand your rights and the significant legal implications of your actions.

If you, or a minor in your care, is caught with alcohol while driving or otherwise and you feel you need the advice of an attorney, contact our office and one of our experienced attorneys will review your situation and work with you to protect your long-term interests.