The one thing that can possibly be worse than underage drinking or taking drugs is underage DUI or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Alcohol drinking or taking prohibited drugs can be very damaging to young people and adults alike. The risks doubles if drinking or taking drugs and driving is combined. These drivers eventually end up hurting themselves or others and destroying properties in the process. Either way, they would need to get the services of an excellent DUI defense lawyer to get them through their troubles. It is either that or they straighten themselves up before they get themselves into real trouble.
The Underage DUI Problem
Not a few parents have had to deal with the problem of underage drinking or teenagers taking prohibited drugs right in their own homes. The problem is real not only because it affects the whole family but also other people who may be in harm’s way when a DUI teenager is holding the wheel. But it is never easy to bring up the subject with anyone, more so with a teenage kid who may interpret parents’ concern as a veiled way of establishing excessive control. Never the less, parents have the responsibility to talk with their children because no one else will care more to do so. The law will care but in an all-together different dimension than that of parents thus all efforts must be exerted to prevent or stop the practice early on.
What Happens to Underage Caught DUI
Any person under the age of 21 caught driving under the influence of alcohol or combination or alcohol and drugs will have their licenses suspended or revoked immediately. This should effectively prevent the driver from legally operating a motor vehicle until such revocation or suspension is set aside. The services of a good lawyer is necessary if there were properties destroyed , people hurt, or lost lives. Such morbid results can haunt a young driver for the rest of his life.
Dealing with Underage DUI
It is primarily up to the parents to make sure that their children will not reach this point. Here are some ways parents can effectively deal with underage drinking or drug-taking to prevent the deadly consequences of driving under the influence.
1. Talk with the concerned child. Do it using clear words so that the message is understood. Do it with empathy that shows that you understand what the teen is going through.
2. Explain the possible results of being caught under the influence. There is no need to exaggerate since the reality of accidents is real enough. Be upfront without resorting to scare tactics.
3. Guide your child. Know when to have your presence felt and when to step back. Be encouraging and never condescending.
Originally posted on July 29, 2014 @ 3:16 am