In some states, when a minor is caught intoxicated, they can receive a Minor in Consumption (or MIC) violation. It is sometimes called a minor in possession of alcohol violation. In many states, the minor will be required to take an educational program which will teach the minor about the risks and consequences of underage drinking.
Since the legal drinking age has been changed to 21, over 25,000 lives have been saved in the United States.
The change in law has created a 16% reduction in underage deaths and untold number of injuries. Below is the single reason why the drinking age is 21.
Why do we make 21 the legal drinking age?
Age requirements are nothing new in this country. We can not enter the military until age 18. We can not obtain a license to drive until age 16. If you want to become president, you must wait till age 35.
The age limit for drinking is based on several factors. Mostly due in part to the way alcohol effects younger people vs. adults. It is a developmental issue even more than it is just a chronological one. Young people, such as teenagers get intoxicated almost two times as fast as the average adult and have even more trouble knowing when they need to stop. Teens naturally overdo it and binge more often than adults. Making the legal drinking age simply saves lives and the research supports this fact.
Those who are arrested or charged with possession of alcohol (or drugs) may be required to take an
alcohol awareness class or
minor in possession class. Fortunately these programs are readily available and help teens learn how to make better choices.