Spring Break in Northwest Florida: Underage Drinkers to be Arrested and Charged with Criminal Offenses | Stevens Law Firm, PLLC
In years past, if you were caught drinking underage, the police would tell you to pour out your beverage, give you a good tongue-lashing, or call your parents. Those days are long gone.
The Northwest Florida Daily News wrote an article today confirming that the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office will arrest underage drinkers, continuing a policy that started in 2016. Those between 18–20 years of age will be physically arrested and taken to the county jail, while those 17 years and younger will be issued a notice to appear (a “paper arrest”) before a county judge.
During the 2018 Spring Break season, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office arrested over 400 underage drinkers. In 2017, that number was closer to 500.
Under Florida law, Possession of Alcohol by a Minor is a second degree misdemeanor, meaning you could go to jail for up to 60 days. If you’re charged a second time, the crime is elevated to a first degree misdemeanor, punishable by a year in county jail. The law also provides that the court could suspend or revoke your driving privileges.
Being convicted could have a negative impact on any scholarships or grants you may have. Additionally, it may also affect your standing in school, depending on your school’s code of student conduct.
It is vitally important that you contact a lawyer as soon as possible should you be arrested while visiting the Emerald Coast on Spring Break. Give me call for a free consultation, I’ll be glad to assist you and protect your rights.
Click here to learn more about criminal defense of Spring Break arrests on the Emerald Coast.
Call me anytime at (850) 304–7880, or visit the Stevens Law Firm, PLLC website athttps://www.stevenslawfirmpllc.com/ to schedule your free consultation.
