Walk It Through: The Graduation Party
Seen with it first, the family exception at home, and no alcohol in the blood at the wheel.
Police arrive at a graduation party. An underage guest is standing near a cooler but has no drink in hand.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
One party at a friend's and one at home. The religious and college course exceptions, the provisional license hours, and the impaired driving penalties 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.
- Alcohol restrictionThe restriction on every Maryland licensee under the age of 21: no driving or attempting to drive with alcohol in the blood.
- Driving under the influenceDriving or attempting to drive under the influence of alcohol, or under the influence per se. Up to 1 year or a $1,200 fine for a first offense, and higher when a minor is in the vehicle.
- Driving while impairedThe lower alcohol offense, carrying up to 2 months or $500 for a first offense.
- Observed in possessionThe condition for stopping or charging anyone on suspicion of drinking under 21: the individual has to be observed in possession of an alcoholic beverage.