Local parents could find themselves behind bars for up to a year
or $1,000 poorer for allowing teens to drink at their homes and
then drive.
Local parents could find themselves behind bars for up to a year or $1,000 poorer for allowing teens to drink at their homes and then drive.
Recent legislation that allows a parent or legal gaurdian to be prosecuted if a minor consumes alcohol on their property, get behind the wheel of a car and consequently cause an accident, will be aggressively enforced by law enforcement this graduation season.
“Parents are going to have to be really cognizant of what they’re doing,” said San Benito County Sheriff Curtis Hill. “They’re placing themselves in a position where there is now a criminal and civil path for their behavior.”
The law is designed to reduce the number of tragic accidents resulting from parents having graduation parties where alcohol is provided, then allowing party-goers to drive, Hill said.
“A lot of parents have the mindset that, ‘They’re going to do it anyway,'” Hill said. “They think they’re giving themselves a safety net of doing the right thing for their kids… but it creates a tremendous liability and now a misdemeanor.”
Legislation passed January 1 says that a parent or legal guardian who knowingly permits a minor to drink or take drugs at their home is guilty of a misdemeanor if they allow a child under the influence to drive a vehicle from their property and that person is found to have caused an accident.
In the past, parents have thrown graduation parties at their homes that have resulted in teens driving and being involved in senseless accidents, Hill said.
This law now gives law enforcement the ability to curb such tragedies, he said.
Sober Grad Committee member Kim Schranz believes the legislation is “outstanding” and makes parents take more responsibility for what’s happening in their homes.
“I’m not saying we’re a bunch of goody-goody’s who never have alcohol present,” she said. “But we have to be responsible… I would never let kids (drink) and get in a car – keep the keys at the door.”
Having a sober graduation is the best way to celebrate the onset of the graduates’ futures, said California Highway Patrol Officer Terry Mayes.
Making sure parents understand that is imperative.
“I’ve been told recently that Enterprise vans are being rented (by parents) to haul kids around from party to party,” Mayes said. “We want everyone to have a good time but you can’t condone underage drinking.”
If an accident involving a minor does occur due to drinking, following the trail of alcohol back to a parent or guardian through investigation isn’t difficult, she said.
“If you do it and support it and they get in a crash, you’re going to get prosecuted,” Mayes said. “The best way to celebrate is to have a party and celebrate all night long, but make a sober step towards the rest of your life.”
Erin Musgrave can be reached at 637-5566, ext. 336 or at
