16 Year Old Son - Underage Consumption - 1st degree misdemeanor

[momofson]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? We live in Ohio - Clermont County. My son attended a party at a friends house. He drank a beer. The neighbor called the police about the party. Police came and gave everyone a breathalizer test. My son test results were .041. He received a paper called a complaint from the Court of Common Pleas of Clermont County, Ohio - Juvenile Division. It states that he is in violation of Section 4301.698 O.R.C. a misdemeanor of the 1st degree. The summons on the bottom of the paper states that the Juvenile Court will notify me by ordinary mail when we are to appear in court. Would you have any suggestions as to what I should do or if I should hire an attorney? My son had an auto accident last fall but besides for that he has had no other problems with the law. He makes good grades and is a participant in school athletics. I just am not certain what I should do at this point.

 

[Ohiogal]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? We live in Ohio - Clermont County. My son attended a party at a friends house. He drank a beer. The neighbor called the police about the party. Police came and gave everyone a breathalizer test. My son test results were .041. He received a paper called a complaint from the Court of Common Pleas of Clermont County, Ohio - Juvenile Division. It states that he is in violation of Section 4301.698 O.R.C. a misdemeanor of the 1st degree. The summons on the bottom of the paper states that the Juvenile Court will notify me by ordinary mail when we are to appear in court. Would you have any suggestions as to what I should do or if I should hire an attorney? My son had an auto accident last fall but besides for that he has had no other problems with the law. He makes good grades and is a participant in school athletics. I just am not certain what I should do at this point.

He may qualify for a diversion program. However be aware that his career in athletics is most likely history. Schools in Ohio have been cracking down on that and not letting illegal drinkers and druggies participate. Your son should be responsible for paying for the consequences. Time for him to quit the athletics and get a job. That way he can pay the fines, court costs and attorney fees.