Party hosts face criminal charges for underage drinking

On Behalf of | Sep 4, 2015 | Drunk Driving Accidents

Drinking and driving is dangerous and illegal at any age, but when underage Ohio residents engage in the activity, it is even more serious offense, not just because it is illegal to drink as a minor, but also because as inexperienced drivers, they are an even bigger risk on the road. Now, a grand jury in Ohio has decided that they will hold not only a drunk driver in an fatal car accident accountable for his irresponsible behavior, but also the party hosts that supplied the underage minors with the alcohol.

Four individuals, of whom three are party hosts, find themselves facing various criminal charges stemming from a fatal fourth of July accident. The 18-year-old driver of the car was attending a party at the host’s residence and according to authorities, he consumed a number of beers. His blood alcohol level at the time of the crash was 0.173, more than eight times the legal limit for someone his age. A urine sample also tested positive for marijuana.

After leaving the party, the drunk driver was speeding and ran a stop sign, hitting another car. The driver of the other vehicle died in the accident. Even though the other three, the party hosts, were not in the vehicle at the time of the crash, prosecutors are arguing that they played a role in the party that may have been the reason for the crash. The four are awaiting a court date.

Driving while under the influence of alcohol is not only a crime, but it is an act that can irrevocably change the lives of everyone involved in the accident, and as these charges demonstrate, people who are not even physically present during the crash. Holding people accountable for their negligence is one way to deter others from engaging in this irresponsible behavior.

Source: wfmj.com, “Adult party hosts charged with underage DUI death,” Will Brown, Aug. 29, 2015

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