The drinking age is 21 in the United States. However, this does not stop many teenagers and young adults from drinking before they are old enough to do so legally. Whether due to peer pressure, curiosity, or a desire to look “cool,” underage drinking is not uncommon.

If your child was caught with alcohol or charged with an alcohol-related offense, it is important to understand your rights and options under Illinois law.

Alcohol Possession by Minors is a Criminal Offense

In Illinois, underage people in possession of alcohol can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor criminal offense. While jail time can often be avoided for a first-time offender, it is possible for an underage offender to face up to a year in jail and a maximum fine of $2,500 for alcohol possession. A teen or young adult caught with alcohol may also have his or her driver’s license suspended for six months for a first offense. If a young person uses a fake ID to buy alcohol, he or she may face additional criminal penalties for possession of a fraudulent ID.

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Parents are responsible for guiding their children and helping them grow into happy, successful adults. However, even the best parents cannot prevent their children from making mistakes. For teenagers, shoplifting may seem like a victimless crime. Otherwise, law-abiding teenagers may justify stealing from a store because the crime does not involve violence or physical harm. Teenagers may also be peer-pressured into stealing. Some shoplift in order to impress their friends or gain a certain reputation at school. Other teens accused of theft are simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Whatever the reasons, theft charges can have a significant impact on a young person’s future. If your child was arrested for retail theft, contact a criminal defense lawyer experienced in juvenile offenses for help.  

What Are the Consequences of Juvenile Theft?

Theft is estimated to have cost retailers $62 billion in 2019 alone. Preventing shoplifting losses is a top priority for most stores and retail chains. Security guards, video surveillance, and antitheft devices are designed to catch shoplifters in the act and prevent ongoing theft. Some store owners and managers will give teenagers a second or even third chance after being caught shoplifting. However, the store does reserve the right to call the police if they catch a child or teenager shoplifting.

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As parents, we all want to protect our children. We all fear for the safety and wellbeing of our children. Unfortunately, in some cases, our children make poor decisions that can negatively impact their future. Every year, thousands of minors are charged with underage drinking in the state of Illinois. While many people think that these decisions will only come with limited legal ramifications, the truth is that a serious alcohol charge can impact your child’s employment and advanced education opportunities. Below we will examine the consequences of underage drinking and how they can ultimately impact your child.

Understanding the Impact of a Charge

First and foremost, it is important to understand that even the most minor of underage drinking charges can result in serious legal ramifications. In the state of Illinois, the purchase, consumption, or possession of alcohol as a minor constitutes a Class A misdemeanor charge as well as a $500 fine. It is also important to note that this charge will also lead to a mandatory three-month license suspension, even for a first-time offender. If a minor is using a fraudulent state ID to purchase or consume alcohol, they can face even more serious consequences. According to the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, use of a fraudulent Illinois ID can constitute Class 4 felony charges. In both cases, a minor’s future can be compromised due to one criminal conviction.

If a minor chooses to drink, it is not uncommon for them to make the poor decision to get behind the wheel of a car. Unfortunately, a DUI conviction will result in loss of driving privileges, significant fines, as well as Class A misdemeanor charges. The true impact of a charge of this magnitude cannot be understated. A child with a misdemeanor or felony on their criminal record will face difficulties securing employment or further academic opportunities.

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Every single year, hundreds of teens throughout the state of Illinois are arrested and charged with consuming alcohol as a minor. Due to the inherent risks that teenage alcohol consumption can have, such as alcohol poisoning and binge drinking, the potential legal consequences of a minor in possession charge can be extreme. Below we will examine some of the legal ramifications of teenage drinking, and how you should respond if your child has been charged with an underage drinking-related criminal offense.

The True Cost of Underage Drinking

When the vast majority of people think of underage drinking charges, they assume that the charges will likely lead to a slap on the wrist, the reality is that underage drinking charges can potentially jeopardize your child’s future. According to Illinois state law, possession, consumption, or purchase of alcohol by a minor (anyone below the legal drinking age of 21) constitutes a Class A misdemeanor charge, fines up to $2,500, and potentially significant jail-time. It is worth noting that a charge involving fraudulent identification or the act of impersonating another person in order to purchase or consume alcohol can result in felony charges. Whether your child has been charged with a felony or misdemeanor, a criminal conviction of this magnitude can impact their educational and occupational opportunities.

When it comes to drinking and driving, minors face increasingly strict state laws. Due to Illinois’ Zero Tolerance policy, a teenage driver can face a three-month driving suspension simply for having a blood alcohol content over 0.00. If the teen refuses chemical testing, such as a breathalyzer test, they will face an automatic six-month suspension. Much like an adult, if a teen is charged with a DUI, they will face Class A misdemeanor charges. The significant difference in the charge is the fact that a teenage driver will face a two-year license revocation period if convicted.

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Here in the state of Illinois, the way in which a juvenile is tried in court will depend entirely on the crime they committed. If the crime is a serious criminal offense, that would likely constitute a felony charge, such as a sexual assault or homicide charge, they will likely be charged as an adult. For other offenses, such as a minor in possession of drugs or alcohol charge, the juvenile will be tried in juvenile court. While the vast majority of juvenile court mandates revolve around probation, rehabilitation, and possible fines, the long-term implications of a juvenile crime can last a lifetime. Below we will take a brief look at juvenile arrest rates throughout the United States, and the potential consequences a juvenile could face after an arrest.

Juvenile Arrest Rates on the Decline

Nationwide, juvenile arrest rates appear to be on the decline. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 2016 marked one of the lowest statistical years for juvenile crime in recent memory. Serious juvenile crimes such as violent crimes and robbery with an assault weapon had dropped to their lowest in over 5 years.

Equally encouraging is the fact that juvenile drug arrests were at their lowest level since 1990. In fact, juvenile arrests for all crimes and all racial groups have been declining since 2007. Still, the number of arrests are concerning especially as it pertains to drug and alcohol charges. According to the U.S. Department of Justice’s statistical compiling, more than 36,000 American teens were arrested throughout 2016, for violating alcohol laws. Equally concerning, just under 100,000 American teens were arrested for drug abuse, in 2016 alone.

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