Underage Drinking in Georgia
Tax free weekends. Sales on uniforms and crayons. Parents silently rejoicing. The new school year must be just around the corner!
Because some kids will be gaining greater autonomy and many are going off to college, this is a great time to have a discussion with your kids about alcohol consumption. Don’t let underage drinking in Georgia ruin the start of adult life.
What they (and you) should know:
- Underage Drinking is illegal. (But parent disapproval is the greatest deterrent.) There are two cases in which drinking underage is legal: small amounts for medicinal purposes or religious ceremonies. All other instances of underage alcohol consumption is against the law. But… the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) says that telling your kids you do not approve will actually stick better than the law. (Here is a detailed information guide from the NIAAA for talking to your kids about alcohol.)
- Georgia’s underage DUI law is very strict. Georgia has a zero-tolerance law, which means even one drink before driving would probably lead to a DUI. The blood alcohol limit for drivers under the age of 21 is 0.02. For adults, it’s 0.08. The penalties are strict too. They include fines, license suspension, jail time, and community service. A DUI can affect a student beyond that. It can resurface when they apply for colleges and jobs. (If your underage child has already been arrested for a DUI, it is important to get in contact with a lawyer immediately. There are important deadlines you must meet.)
- Binge drinking isn’t good for you. Research has shown that underage drinking can have long-term negative effects on the brain. (The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has an App to help parents practice. )
We know this topic of discussion can be difficult, but hope it will help make your kids’ new school year happy and safe.
Arrested and Need Help? Call Ashley Schiavone
If you are arrested for underage drinking in Georgia, contact a defense lawyer as soon as possible. Ashley Schiavone can take a look at your case and see if there are ways your charges can be reduced or if it is a case that can be tried in court.