Underage drinking remains one of the biggest public health problems in Chicago. Both Illinois and Chicago DUI laws are designed to punish youths who drink and drive, but many Illinoians feel that prevention is a better plan. Community groups are coming together to offer seminars to help parents talk to their children about the dangers of underage drinking and the consequences they may face if they choose to participate in this activity.
A recent survey showed that 38.5 percent of eighth graders admitted to drinking alcohol in the past 30 days. Young people who drink are more likely to be involved with drugs, skip school, suffer from depression and harm themselves, and many emotional and behavioral problems exhibited by teens can be traced to alcohol. Teen drinking is more common in the summer months, when adolescents are less likely to be involved in structured activities.
The mayors of Jonesboro and Anna, along with the Illinois State Police, The Fellowship House and various state agencies are hosting a parent seminar on underage drinking. The seminar will address teen drinking issues and will offer parents ways to start a conversation with teens about understanding drinking and its dangers as well as what teens risk in terms of fines, loss of license and other punishments if they are caught with alcohol.
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If a teen is caught drinking and driving, the punishments are more severe, even for first-time offenders, than those for adults. It is important that teens have sound legal representation if they are accused of DUI. A DUI attorney may be able to assist teens in defending themselves against these types of charges and minimize the impact of fines, license revocation and jail time.
