Another city in Cobb County Georgia has passed a law that targets parents and adults who let individuals under the age of 21 consume alcohol. These types of laws are sometimes called “teen party ordinances” or “social host ordinances.”
The city of Kennesaw in Cobb county Georgia passed a law last week which makes it a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail or a $300.00 fine in addition to possible civil penalties. The City of Austell in Cobb County Georgia has a similar ordinance. Municipalities and counties in 24 other states have passed similar ordinances.
The law targets parents and adults who knowingly allow individuals under 21 to consume alcohol at their home, but does not punish them in situations where individuals under 21 hold secret drinking parties or when the parents are out of town or out for the evening. The law also applies to older siblings, landlords and tenants who host underage drinking parties.
Interestingly, There are situations in which a parent or guardian can legally furnish alcohol to a child under the age of 21. O.C.G.A. section 3-3-23(c) allows individuals under the age of 21 to possess and consume alcoholic beverages when the parent or guardian gives the alcohol to the individual in the home of the parent or guardian and the parent or guardian is present. The two other exceptions that allow individuals under the age of 21 to consume alcohol is when the consumption is at a religious ceremony or when it is consumed for medical purposes and the alcohol is legally prescribed by a physician authorized to practice medicine in the State of Georgia.
Otherwise, furnishing to, purchase of, or possession by persons under the age of 21 of alcoholic beverages is a misdemeanor generally punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $300.00 fine or both. Using a fake I.D. is punishable by the same penalties.
There are many things an attorney can do to minimize the damage when representing individuals charged with this type of crime. Always consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney BEFORE you go to court.
Attorney Thomas C. Nagel will aggressively negotiate the best possible terms when a violation of O.C.G.A. 3-3-23 minor in possession of alcohol case occurs. His thousands of hours of courtroom experience will be utilized in working out a solution to the problems you are facing.
If you have been charged with a violation of the law, you need to get started preparing immediately to achieve the best possible result in your case.
Regardless of how bad you think your case is, BEFORE you face the judge, call Atlanta criminal defense attorney Thomas C. Nagel now at 404-255-1600 to schedule your free consultation.