Parental Responsibility and Underage Drinking in Illinois

 Posted on November 12, 2014 in Criminal Defense

If you are a parent who has been linked to a case involving underage drinking or underage drinking and driving, it’s imperative that you seek out an attorney today. Being connected to such a case can have risky consequences for you and your child.

If your child has been accused of underage drinking , then both you and your child will need an attorney to face these charges in court. Individuals under the age of 21 in Illinois can be convicted for violating the Liquor Control Act for the receipt, possession, purchase, or consumption of alcohol, leading to suspension of driving privileges for six months on first convictions. Subsequent convictions will lead to additional consequences.

As an adult, providing alcohol to someone under the age of 21 is a Class A misdemeanor. A parent who knowingly allows individuals under the age of 21 to consume alcoholic beverages inside a private home or other private property can also be found guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. However, do not assume explicit consent or provision of alcohol is all that is required to be found guilty. Adults who fail to control access in the residence where alcohol is consumed by individuals under the legal age where this activity results in bodily harm to someone can be found guilty of a Class 4 felony.

Being accused of providing alcohol to underage individuals or linked to any major incident (such as driving under the influence or serious accidents that result from driving under the influence) does not only harm the children involved -  it can affect your life, too. If you have been accused of these crimes, you need to contact the offices of an experienced Chicago DUI attorney immediately.