If a minor is arrested for a driving violation, such as driving later than the midnight limit on a provisional license, attempting to operate a vehicle after drinking, driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, or driving while intoxicated, there are several short and long term consequences.

The car will be impounded. This will cost at least $70 for towing and $15 per day for storage.

The automobile insurance is usually canceled, sometimes for the entire family. If it is not canceled, the offending driver is excluded and can only get insurance through the assigned risk pool for three years. This can cost $1500 per year. There might be higher rates, as a high-risk driver, until age 21 or 25.

After being arrested or receiving a citation, you will have to go to court. Court begins at 9:00 AM and may go all day. The judge may require you to return after the sentence is completed.

Minors in a car with alcohol or at a party where alcohol is readily available can receive a civil citation for possessing alcohol, even if they are not holding the alcohol.

A lawyer will cost $500-2000.

Unless the judge waives fees, there will be a charge of $20 court cost and $30 for the Criminal Injury Compensation Fund.

For a civil offense, an 18-20 year old may be fined up to $500 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for a second offense.

A minor who presents a false ID or an ID that is not their own may receive a civil citation and/or a traffic citation.

For possessing a false ID the fine may be up to $500. If you are found guilty of presenting a false ID you may also be jailed for up to 2 months and/or receive 12 points on your driver’s license which means you lose your license.

For any minor who brings an intoxicating beverage onto school grounds, a mandatory part of the sentence is suspension of the driver’s license. If the person is under 16, the suspension is held until they turn 16.

With a sentence of Alternative Community Service, there is a charge of $150.

Probation costs $25 per month. Sometimes a condition of probation is urinalysis, which costs $50 each time.

Youth, and their parents might be required to attend a class or classes on driver safety or alcohol education. The cost is $40 to $90.

If you are required to attend a MADD victims impact panel, the cost is $10.

An adult found guilty of obtaining alcohol for a minor or allowing a minor other than their own child to drink in their home can be fined $500. If they charged admission, they were also selling alcohol with out a license.

An adult convicted of contributing to the delinquency or a violation by a minor (a criminal charge) could be fined up to $2,500 and spend three years in jail. The minor need not be convicted or found delinquent for the adult to be held responsible.

Your violation of the law could follow you for the rest of your life. Many job and college applications ask if you have ever been arrested. You will have to answer yes. If you need a security clearance employers, such as the FBI or other agencies, can request a court order to open even juvenile records.

Parents are responsible for their child’s behavior. Parents can be required to pay up to $10,000 for damage done by their child.

If someone is injured as a result of a child’s drinking, the child and his or her parents can be sued. Adults can also be sued for allowing minors to drink in their home, or for injury resulting from what they allowed to take place.