Walk It Through: The Graduation Party
The parent exception, the overdose call, and any detectable amount at the wheel.
Police arrive at a graduation party, and an underage guest is holding a beer while standing next to a parent.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
One party and the drive home. License suspensions, community service ranges after a prior conviction, and the sexual assault reporting exception 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.
- Class C misdemeanorThe lowest offense level, for which the Penal Code sets a fine of up to $500.
- Written notice to appearThe citation an officer issues showing the time and place to appear. For speeding, a phone violation and an open container, a person who signs the written promise to appear is given the copy and promptly released.