If your teenager will be attending prom this year, the odds are high that they will be around alcohol. Even if you do not believe that they drink, it is important to be realistic. After all, the number of after parties that happen on prom night is typically quite high, and the majority of teens who attend one or more of these parties will have at least one alcoholic beverage. Additionally, there is also going to be a large constituency of teens who sneak liquor and narcotics into the dance.
Is that Drink Worth It?
Even if you have a more relaxed attitude about the possibility of your teenager imbibing during prom night, it is essential to consider the potential negative ramifications of a DUI conviction. After all, most areas have a zero tolerance policy for underage drivers, and that means that even one drink could end up causing your teenager a long list of legal and financial difficulties.
What if My Teenager Gets a DUI?
Whether it’s a Galveston or Gainesville DUI law firm, most attorneys attest to the fact that, though every state has different specific laws, it is likely that any teenager who is arrested for a DUI will lose their license for at least one year, and they will be responsible for paying very steep fines. Many areas will also force an individual who has been convicted of a DUI to perform mandatory community service, and they might have to attend alcohol counseling classes.
The average cost of a first-time DUI can range from $5,000 to $15,000, once all of the applicable fines and lawyer fees have been paid. In most cases, a teenager is not going to have the ability to pay for these fines, so that means you could be stuck paying for everything in order to keep them from incurring additional fees or jail time.
Preventing a DUI on Prom Night
No matter how much you trust your teenager to do the right thing, you need to realize that it is very possible that they will end up in a vehicle with people who are intoxicated. In other words, if you want to make sure that they avoid getting a DUI and get home safely at the end of the night, you should hire a party bus or a limo to drive them and their friends for the entire evening.
If your teenager still ends up arrested for a DUI, you should contact a DUI attorney as soon as possible. After all, without a skilled lawyer on their side, they are most likely going to end up with a conviction. However, if you take the proper steps to protect them, you should be able to avoid dealing with any legal issues.
Ieda Vincent is an aunt to a high school junior attending his first prom and will remind him of these tips to ensure he has an enjoyable yet safe prom experience. If your teen has received a DUI in Florida and is in need of a Gainesville DUI law firm, reach out to Katz & Phillips, P.A. where they have one of only three attorneys with board certification in DUI defense. David S. Katz has litigated numerous cases, and has received many esteemed accolades including the 2013 Client Distinction award.
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