Under Age Drinking is Not Tolerated under Illinois Law

 Posted on March 16, 2023 in Criminal Law

As a parent, you only want the best for your child. But when they make decisions that are against the law, it is natural to be upset and disappointed, especially if they find ways to get their hands on alcohol or worse yet, drink and drive. You need an experienced criminal defense attorney to help you protect your child’s future if they are facing DUI charges.

Using a Fake ID

Teens can be very resourceful and they can easily figure out a way to get a fake identification, to gain access to alcohol. But if a teen is caught using someone else’s ID or a fake ID, they could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor and face one year in jail and up to $2,500 in fines. If they possess or attempt to use a fake ID it is considered a Class 4 felony, which has a possible sentence of one to three years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines. If they get behind the wheel of a car after consuming alcohol the consequences are more serious. A conviction of any crime involving a fake ID can lead to a suspension or revocation of their driver’s license.

Any Trace of Alcohol is Punishable by Law

In Illinois, the zero-tolerance law for drivers under 21 years of age is very clear. Any trace of alcohol could lead to charges for violating this ordinance and a possible DUI conviction. That means that if you are under 21 and convicted of driving with a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of more than .00 you could face the following consequences:

• Three-month license suspension for first-time offenders
• One-year license suspension for second-time offenders
• Six-month license suspension for refusing a BAC test
• Two-year license suspension if a BAC test is refused and this is a second offense

If a teen is a repeat offender, the consequences could include license revocation for up to five years

Parents Serving Alcohol

Some parents may think that it is best to have their kids drink at home. But if they end up driving and seriously injuring someone, the parent who provided alcohol to a minor could be sentenced to jail if convicted. It is not only illegal for minors to drink in public places but it is also against the law for them to have access to alcohol.

Contact an Arlington Heights, IL, DUI Defense Attorney

If your son or daughter is facing DUI charges you need an experienced Rolling Meadows, IL, DUI defense attorney. At Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law, we will try to help your child avoid the potentially serious consequences of a conviction. Call 847-253-3400 for a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/drivers/traffic_safety/DUI/uselose.html

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=204&ChapterID=4