The summer months are almost here again, and at the law office of Silverman, Tokarsky & Forman, L.L.C, we know that this can mean an increase in drunk driving arrests. It is important that you and other Pennsylvania residents understand the prevalence of drunk driving for young people across the country during spring and summer.
According to USA TODAY, many safety advocates say that the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer.” Why is this so, you may wonder? When school is out and summer fun beckons, many teenagers and young adults find the lure of alcohol too great to resist.
There is no reason people should not be able to lawfully and safely consume alcohol. However, as you may be aware, not everyone follows the rules when it comes to drinking alcohol and getting behind the wheel. This is especially true for inexperienced teenagers and college students, who may be influenced by their peers and not be fully aware of the safety and legal risks they can face. Therefore, many can find themselves facing a DUI before they are of drinking age.
Additionally, people over the legal drinking age of 21 can face criminal penalties for buying or furnishing alcohol to minors. For example, your child may be over 21 but hosted a party with numerous 18- to 20-year-olds in attendance. Your child might not have realized the consequences until after someone reported the party to authorities.
As our DUI page explains, anyone facing criminal charges has the right to a fair defense, regardless of the circumstances.