Dangers of Underage Drinking
August 23, 2017
Though drinking before the age of 21 is illegal, college students across the country are throwing caution to the wind and gearing up for weekends filled with beer pong, keg stands, and rounds of tequila shots.
Binge drinking is a common practice and is usually always followed by seriously poor decision making. Many schools have fraternities and sororities where drinking excessively is part of the hazing process. On the night of February 23, 2017 a young man attending Penn State died as a result of his fraternity’s hazing ritual. Surrounding members of the fraternity did nothing to help him, and as a result, 18 students were charged in his death.
Rape is another big issue afflicting college campuses. Slipping date rape drugs into the drinks of unknowing victims is all too easy in a setting where beverages are handed out like candy on Halloween night. Protect yourself. Never accept a drink from someone you don’t trust (get or pour your own), never leave your drink unattended, and use the buddy system.
Injuries and destruction of property are commonplace when alcohol is involved. If you have provided alcohol to a minor, you may be held liable for anything that happens while they were intoxicated. Other students may also be held liable, particularly when coercion to drink is a factor, as outlined above in the Penn State tragedy.
Whether you are underage and drinking or an adult providing alcohol to minors, you could face criminal or civil charges. Minor in possession (MIP) charges are common misdemeanors on college campuses. If property is damaged, a misdemeanor or felony charge could be brought, depending on the extent of damage. Avoid having a rap sheet, and think before you drink.
Binge drinking is a common practice and is usually always followed by seriously poor decision making. Many schools have fraternities and sororities where drinking excessively is part of the hazing process. On the night of February 23, 2017 a young man attending Penn State died as a result of his fraternity’s hazing ritual. Surrounding members of the fraternity did nothing to help him, and as a result, 18 students were charged in his death.
Rape is another big issue afflicting college campuses. Slipping date rape drugs into the drinks of unknowing victims is all too easy in a setting where beverages are handed out like candy on Halloween night. Protect yourself. Never accept a drink from someone you don’t trust (get or pour your own), never leave your drink unattended, and use the buddy system.
Injuries and destruction of property are commonplace when alcohol is involved. If you have provided alcohol to a minor, you may be held liable for anything that happens while they were intoxicated. Other students may also be held liable, particularly when coercion to drink is a factor, as outlined above in the Penn State tragedy.
Whether you are underage and drinking or an adult providing alcohol to minors, you could face criminal or civil charges. Minor in possession (MIP) charges are common misdemeanors on college campuses. If property is damaged, a misdemeanor or felony charge could be brought, depending on the extent of damage. Avoid having a rap sheet, and think before you drink.
