Question:
my son was sold alcohol at a party got drunk and made some very bad choices. he is now in prison as a result of his actions he is ninteen years old and was sentenced to three years. he had no previous criminal record. do i have any recourse for suing the people who sold him the alcohol? i dont know how to help him, or if i can do anything at all ? he is so young i am afraid it will destoy him.Answer:
ParentingTeensOnline expert, Stephen Wallace, fields questions about drugs and alcohol. Stephen Wallace is the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), and has served as school psychologist, camp director, and college professor. You can read more about him on SADD's site. Stephen answers:
Providing alcohol to a minor is illegal and punishable in a variety of ways depending on the state in which the violation occurred. My suggestion is that you contact the local police and let them handle an investigation into the matter and bring whatever charges may be appropriate. In general, the police and the courts seem to be taking a harder line against those who supply alcohol for individuals under 21 years of age. Hopefully, your son will find some support systems in prison that will help him get back on track.