Graduation is an extremely exciting time of year, and absolutely something to celebrate! Whether you are graduating yourself or your child is moving onto further education, this is an outstanding accomplishment, and something to be proud of. But while you’re celebrating your family’s recent accomplishment, it is important to keep track of your drinking and remember to never get behind the wheel when consuming alcohol. This is especially true if you are under the legal drinking age. One night of celebrating could completely change the trajectory of your future.
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES & UNDERAGE DUI
For many high school graduates, graduation day can feel like the first day of adulthood or the first day of freedom, but one drinking and driving mistake could ruin your future in more ways than one. Though you may be an adult in the eyes of the law at 18, the drinking age is still 21 in Connecticut, and if you are arrested for an underage DUI, you are in for a rude awakening. Connecticut has a zero tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving, which means any blood alcohol level over .02% is considered legally intoxicated for any person under the age of 21. If you are arrested for a DUI and you are under the legal drinking age, it’s vital that you seek legal representation immediately. A good criminal defense attorney can help rectify a mistake resulting in a DUI arrest, and prevent further damage to your future.
COLLEGE GRADUATES & PARENTS
Though college graduates and parents of graduates might be over the legal drinking age, it is still important to keep track of drinking and driving. After all, DUI’s affect everyone and anyone. One drink too many, and you could find yourself in the back of a police cruiser. This is definitely not the way you want to start your summer post-graduation. A criminal record could drastically impact your current job and any future prospects. Many DUI convictions result in loss of license, which could be extremely detrimental for those who commute to and from work every day with their own vehicles. If you do find yourself under arrest for a DUI, make sure you contact a criminal defense attorney.
CELEBRATE THE SMART WAY
May and June are packed with graduation parties for friends and family, and if you or your child is the graduate, you’ll most-likely find yourself attending more than one party this season! Though it is important to mind your alcohol intake when driving yourself to these events, consider carpooling to mutual events, and alternating designated drivers. This ensures a safe ride to and from each event and allows everyone to enjoy the celebrations without worrying about how they’re getting home! If you’re a high school graduate or attendee, don’t even think about drinking during this season’s graduation parties. Doing so puts more than yourself at risk. If caught, you risk incriminating the party hosts for supplying alcohol to a minor. Keep yourselves and your loved ones safe and out of trouble this graduation season by celebrating smartly.