Walk It Through: The Party And The Phone Call
Under twenty-one, a drink, a friend in trouble, and the drive home that does not happen.
At a party, a college student under twenty-one is handed a beer.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
One party. A fake identification, buying for a minor, a passenger's own liability and the adult DUI section at 0.08 are not worked through here.
A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.
Words this turns on
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- Actual physical controlBeing in the driver's position of a motor vehicle with the motor running or the vehicle moving. The DUI section reaches it as well as driving.
- Alcohol concentrationThe measure of alcohol the DUI section is written in. Driving at 0.08 or more is unlawful, and for a driver under twenty-one, 0.02 or more.
- InfractionA civil public offense, not a crime, punishable only by a penalty not exceeding $300, with no jail.
- Minor in possessionA person under twenty-one who buys, tries to buy, consumes or possesses alcohol, which is an infraction with a fine of $300 the first time and a misdemeanor after.
- MisdemeanorAny crime that is not a felony. Unless a section sets another punishment, it carries up to six months in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
- Good faith call for medical helpSeeking medical help for someone in a drug-related emergency. The caller and the person overdosing are not charged with possession, use or paraphernalia where the evidence was found because help was sought.