Alcohol:

Alcohol and Legal Issues

 

Intro	Legal Issues
Alcohol, Your Body, and Your Brain	Alcohol Abuse/Dependence
Alcohol, Energy Drinks, and Caffeine	Getting Help

Even though drinking might seem cool and fun, getting into legal trouble because of it is quite the opposite. In the US, it’s illegal for people under the age of 21 to purchase or consume alcohol. The penalties vary from state to state, but if you get caught, you could get into serious legal trouble.

 

The same goes for drunk driving; driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI).

 

Some of the possible consequences of being convicted of drunk driving include:

• A criminal record
• Jail time
• Getting your driver’s license restricted, suspended, or taken away
• Having your car taken away by the state
• Increased car insurance rates
• Paying a fine

Aside from these consequences, driving under the influence puts you, your passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers at a serious risk. Getting into an accident because you’ve been drinking is NOT worth harming — or even killing yourself or others.

 

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Next: Alcohol Abuse/Dependence

 

Written by the CYWH and YMH Staff at Children's Hospital Boston

 

Updated: 8/8/2011