A report from the national Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recently stated that young drivers face an increased risk of being injured or killed by drunk driving over the Fourth of July and other summer holiday weekends, especially if they’ve been drinking themselves.
According to a recent article from MSNBC, teenage boys are almost twice as likely to need an emergency room visit if they drink alcohol over summer holiday weekends, and girls are nearly 50 percent more likely to need emergency medical care. If a partygoer is under age 21, it’s illegal in every U.S. state to possess or consume alcohol – but some teens still do these things, especially when parents or guardians are distracted by their own summer festivities.
When planning summer parties or vacations, it’s important to keep kids safe from the risks of criminal charges or injuries associated with alcohol use. Teens should avoid drinking entirely, and should always have access to a sober ride home – whether it’s a cab, public transportation, or a parent – if they go out with friends who decide to drink. Avoiding parties where other teens are drinking is also a wise move, since police may not take care to make sure every partygoer is actually drinking before charging guests with violating New Hampshire’s minor in possession laws.
If your minor-aged teen is facing possession of alcohol charges, the experienced New Hampshire minor-in-possession lawyers at Tenn And Tenn, P.A. can provide an aggressive defense that seeks the best possible outcome in your teen’s case. To learn more about the legal options available, call us today at (603) 614-5055 for a free and confidential telephone consultation.