For many college students, parties are synonymous with beer and cheap liquor. College parties often feature copious amounts of alcohol consumption and questionable decision-making. Generally speaking, people who attend college parties do so at their own risk. However, hosts may also have a degree of legal responsibility to ensure the safety and legal compliance of the people attending.
In scenarios where partygoers have access to alcohol, hosts could be at risk of criminal prosecution.
Giving alcohol to minors is a crime
State statutes very clearly prohibit distributing alcohol to minors. There are exceptions for those transporting or serving alcohol due to work or as a chore for their parents. Minors cannot acquire alcohol with the intent of consuming it themselves, and other people cannot provide them with alcohol without risking consequences.
Even when on private property, giving a minor access to alcohol could lead to criminal prosecution. The state could pursue Class 1 misdemeanor charges against the host. The penalties possible for a host include up to $2,500 in fines, a year in jail and a yearlong driver’s license suspension.
The party-goers could also be at risk of charges related to their underage consumption of alcohol. Social hosts may need to validate the age and identity of those attending a party to limit their legal exposure, as they could also have liability if an underage partygoer drives drunk and hurts another person.
Recognizing that the law does not grant leniency for college students enrolled in the same classes as minors could help young adults avoid college crimes that could drastically change their lives. College students accused of providing alcohol to their underage peers need to seek legal guidance immediately as a result.
