Underage drinking is becoming an increasingly important issue throughout Missouri, especially in the wake of a new study that shows surprising results. The Youth Risk Behavior Survey reveals that about two in five Missouri teens have consumed alcohol within the past 30 days. This behavior is dangerous because it could lead to an underage drunk driving charge, which can have serious consequences even for a first offense. The study showed that about 8 percent of the youngsters had driven after drinking, while a quarter had ridden with a driver who had consumed alcohol.

The new information has prompted residents in Joplin, Missouri, to take action against underage drinking. Law enforcement officers from the surrounding areas are meeting with the public to brainstorm ideas for reducing the prevalence of underage drinking in the region. Involving families and other local residents is critical, according to officers, because many parents will actually provide alcohol for children who are partying at their homes.

Additional studies reveal that underage drinkers actually consume more alcohol than adults who are 21 or over. In fact, more than one in five teens engaged in binge drinking in the past month, according to the results of the most recent survey. Alcohol has been deemed the most common drug of abuse for young people, with about 4,300 deaths annually related to the substance.

Parents are encouraged to know where their children are going when they attend parties. Family members are often the first line of defense against underage drinking and other consequences including criminal charges. Law enforcement officers in the communities surrounding Joplin say they are committed to developing programs to prevent the rapid rise in underage drinking that is affecting the area.

Source: Fourstateshomepage.com, “Youth Risk Behavior Survey Shows Increase in Underage Drinking” Allie Woldtvedt, May. 02, 2014

Thanksgiving is a time for family gatherings, over-indulgence in delicious food and last-minute grocery shopping. Would you believe that this innocuous holiday is also the most common time for underage drinking to occur? That’s right: The night before Thanksgiving is widely known as the biggest night for underage drinking. Many of those drinkers may be prone to driving even after illegally consuming booze. Young people who consume alcohol and get behind the wheel during the holidays could face big penalties, even if this is their first offense. Experts offer some tips for adults who want to prevent underage drinking during Thanksgiving and the rest of the holiday season.

First, parents should store their alcohol in a secure location and monitor youngsters in the house for signs of intoxication. Retailers are also on the lookout during the holidays for young drinkers who attempt to obtain alcohol with the use of fake IDs. Missouri workers pay extra attention to identification during the holiday season because of this drinking trend. Every person who attempts to purchase alcohol in Missouri may be denied if the ID is even thought to be invalid.

College students throughout Missouri face significant criminal penalties if they are caught drinking under age 21. They can be cited and face additional sanctions such as community service. Parents are not exempt from these penalties, either, as adults who purchase alcohol for their youngsters can be subject to fines related to those criminal offenses.

Even with all of these precautionary measures, some youngsters manage to get their hands on booze during the holiday season. Some of those will invariably get into trouble with the law because of their questionable decisions. Young people who get in trouble for drinking do not have to face the courtroom alone, however; qualified DUI attorneys and other criminal defense lawyers can help them navigate the criminal system, maximizing the outcome of their case while promoting a brighter professional and educational future.

Source: www.stjoechannel.com, “Thanksgiving Eve is biggest night for underage drinking” Christina Watkins, Nov. 27, 2013