Drinking at university is a rite of passage for many students throughout Maryland. From parties to tailgates at sporting events, alcohol is part of the social fabric at Townson University. Many young adults who experience expanded levels of freedom and autonomy often make poor decisions that could adversely impact their collegiate career and their future prospects. Underage drinking is a serious matter – it should not be taken lightly.
If your child has been accused of underage drinking, contact the underage drinking attorneys for Towson University students at Rice, Murtha & Psoras. While it is generally assumed that consuming alcohol under the age of twenty-one is illegal in Maryland, the law is more nuanced. Additionally, Townson University has enacted its own policy for controlled substances, including disciplinary measures.
Drinking at college might be fun, but it could have serious consequences if the student is underage. This is especially the case if someone makes the poor decision to get behind the wheel after drinking. If your child is accused of underage drinking, your first response might be anger. However, you need to start thinking about their legal rights and protecting their future. Contact our law offices at (410) 694-7291 to start discussing your options and a defense strategy.
Townson University Alcohol Policies
Under Towson University’s alcohol policy, any possession, purchase, storage, or consumption of alcoholic beverages on campus must comply with Maryland law and Baltimore County regulations. In addition to the state and local laws, any alcohol use must also adhere to the provisions listed below.
- Consumption and possession of alcohol by anyone younger than twenty-one is prohibited.
- Serving alcohol to anyone under the age of twenty-one is prohibited.
- It is illegal for a person under twenty-one to represent that they are over twenty-one to purchase or otherwise obtain alcohol.
- Aiding someone under the age of twenty-one to procure alcohol is prohibited.
- Serving alcohol to an intoxicated individual is prohibited.
Additionally, Townson University has specific policies regarding the serving of alcohol by authorized caterers, including requiring a TIPS Certified University employee where alcohol is distributed at an authorized event.
Penalties For Underage Drinking at Towson University
The Towson University Code of Student Conduct governs disciplinary procedures if students violate the university’s alcohol policies. The penalties imposed depend on the violation. Any student who violates Towson’s substance abuse policy is encouraged to participate in a voluntary rehabilitation program. In some cases, mandatory treatment and counseling could be required. It is crucial to remember that if you are suspected of having violated the substance abuse policy, you could be facing both criminal prosecution and disciplinary action from Towson University. it is crucial to contact our Baltimore underage drinking defense lawyers to help protect your rights.
Any student who allegedly violated the university’s controlled substances abuse policies is referred to the Director of Student Conduct and Civility Education. You might be subject to disciplinary actions whether criminal charges were filed or not.
Maryland Law and Underage Drinking
Under Maryland law, the possession of alcohol by a minor is a civil offense. If you or your child violates this law, the potential penalties are fines and other consequences. However, it is not a criminal charge. the specific consequences will depend on the violator’s age and the number of previous violations.
If the person is under eighteen, the offense will be treated as juvenile delinquency action. A juvenile court judge is granted broad discretion to deal with offenders, including imposing community service, fines, and counseling or treatment. Our Baltimore personal injury attorneys are permitted to request to shield or seal the records of a juvenile.
If the individual is between the ages of eighteen and twenty-one, a fine of $500 could be imposed. If there are subsequent violations, the fine could increase to $1,000. In addition, the sentencing judge could impose counseling or community service.
In cases where a minor is using a false driver’s license to obtain alcohol, the Motor Vehicle Administration will be notified along with any of the penalties and fines described above.
Penalties for Driving Under the Influence as an Underaged Towson University Student
Drinking and driving is a major offense in Maryland. Driving to and around campus after a couple of drinks could have severe repercussions. If you are accused of two or more underage DUIs, you will be prosecuted aggressively.
Unlike adults, a minor is prohibited from driving with any level of alcohol in their system. Violating this prohibition could result in up to two months in jail and a fine of up $500. In addition to the criminal penalties, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) could impose additional punishments.
Typically, a violator will have their driver’s license suspended for at least six months. If there are any subsequent violations, the suspension could be significantly longer, or your license could be revoked. Depending on the seriousness of the offense, you might have to restart with a graduated license, requiring years to obtain an unrestricted license. Additionally, you might be required to participate in a driver improvement and training course.
In some cases, the MVA could require the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) to reinstate your driver’s license. Depending on the number of prior offenses, the IID could be in place from six months to three years.
Our Underage Drinking Attorneys for Towson University Students Provide Free Consultations
At Rice, Murtha & Psoras, our experienced defense attorneys understand the allure of underage drinking. We also are well aware of the potential legal and disciplinary consequences a student faces if they are suspected of violating Maryland law or Towson University policies. Contact our underage drinking attorneys for Townson University students at (410) 694-7291 to review your legal options.