Millions of minors illegally consume alcohol every year. If arrested and charged, they can face serious penalties and collateral consequences. A minor in consumption lawyer in Dublin can provide representation and help prevent as many of these repercussions as possible. With so much on the line, this isn’t the time to proceed without support and experienced legal advice.
Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt understands the weight of minor in consumption charges and acts quickly to defend your child against them. For more than 30 years, our team has been helping families like yours in our community and ensuring they receive the support they need through an uncertain time. A Dublin criminal defense lawyer fights aggressively to get results and avoid a criminal record for a minor.
Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt Fight to Protect Your Child’s Future in Dublin, Ohio
Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt has extensive experience handling alcohol-related cases for both adults and minors. Our attorneys use these skills to customize a defense for your child. They weigh a multitude of factors and closely review the prosecution’s case to achieve the most effective results. With representation on your family’s side, you can be confident you will receive the most favorable outcome.
We understand your concern as a parent and what is at stake for minors who are facing legal charges. That is why we manage every aspect of the case and speak on your family’s behalf so the outcome of your case isn’t threatened by ill-advised words or actions. We evaluate a minor’s options and provide recommendations that protect their interests and their rights throughout the entirety of the case.
Our team knows that underage drinking can threaten the futures of minors. Not only can they face legal repercussions, which could make it difficult for them to work and live, but it could also affect their future relationships and physical and mental health. We know how vulnerable minors are, and our team advocates tirelessly for them so they can have the best chance at a healthy future.
For a legal consultation with a minor in consumption lawyer serving Dublin, call (614) 884-1100
Consumption of Alcohol Can Have Serious Repercussions on Minors
The data for underage drinking in the United States (ages 12 to 20) shows that 6.2 million males and 6.5 million females have engaged in underage drinking at least once. Minors who consume alcohol may also be more likely to engage in other dangerous or criminal activity. In the most recent data, underage drinking led to car crashes (1,392), homicides (978), overdoses and injuries (644), and suicides (615).
Teenagers and college students are among the groups that are most likely to consume alcohol while they are underage. As such, colleges across the nation crack down on alcohol and drug use more frequently. In Ohio, specifically, any individual under the age of 21 is prohibited from consuming, ordering, buying, or possessing alcohol per Ohio Revised Code § 4301.69.
Additionally, social hosts or dram shops can also face legal ramifications if they supply alcohol to minors. It is important to be aware that the Dublin, Ohio, social host law is stricter than state law. If minors consume alcohol that was knowingly or negligently supplied by these other parties, all could be charged.
Dublin Minor in Consumption Lawyer Near Me (614) 884-1100
Penalties and Diversion Programs for Minor in Consumption Charges in Dublin, Ohio
Ohio’s penalties for underage drinking can result in fines, jail time, and/or a suspended license. The extent and severity of the offense can influence the specific terms of the punishment if convicted. For a first offense, Ohio generally caps fines at $1,000 and jail time at six months. These punishments may increase with multiple offenses, and the court may impose additional penalties in such cases.
Oftentimes, diversion programs are used to steer minors away from additional acts of underage drinking or other criminal activities. These programs are for first-time offenders, and the goal is to help minors avoid jail and pursue another path. Juveniles who complete these programs may be able to have their minor in consumption charges expunged from their records, allowing them to have a better future.
This option is common in cases such as these, and a Dublin minor in consumption lawyer will often help advocate for this type of program in order to protect your child’s future. Franklin County’s youth education and intervention services have a few options to help youth within the area. Your lawyer can discuss these options with you and your child when handling your case.
Click to contact our Dublin Criminal Defense Lawyers today
A Dublin Minor in Consumption Attorney Creates Strong and Customized Defenses
To secure reduced charges, a dismissal, or an acquittal of the offense, minors need a strong defense strategy. Lawyers work diligently to assess the opposition’s arguments, gather evidence, and build a solid defense that can rebut the charges and undermine the prosecution’s case.
Because Ohio law allows for minors to consume alcohol under a parent’s supervision or for medicinal or religious reasons, this is a common defense that can be used in these cases. Another defense may include showing that there is insufficient proof that an empty container meant the minor consumed its contents. Other defenses may include a lack of intent to consume or a violation of rights or procedures.
Attorneys will make sure that minors receive the due diligence they are owed and that their rights are not violated during the legal process. If this occurs, an attorney can submit a motion to have evidence or a case dismissed so it doesn’t negatively impact a minor’s case. Every case is different, so the actions taken in your child’s case will depend on the specific factors involved and available options.
Complete a Case Evaluation form now
Contact Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt Today
When your child is facing allegations of alcohol or drug consumption, Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt provides valuable and trusted guidance that protects your child’s interests and secures a better outcome. We work diligently to lessen or eliminate the impact of these charges.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case with a minor in consumption attorney in Dublin.
CALL OR TEXT (614) 884-1100 OR COMPLETE A CASE EVALUATION FORM
