January 29, 2013 (Press-News.org) As everyone knows, many underage U.S. college students drink alcohol. At Penn State and other Pennsylvania colleges and universities, the situation is no different. In fact, the Centre Daily Times reports that in 2011 a shocking 657 college students at Penn State were seen medically for "alcohol overdoses" with an average blood-alcohol content at "an all-time high" of a frightening 0.287.
The University of Pennsylvania provides information about the consequences of high BACs. BAC measures the amount of alcohol in a person's blood at a given moment. Information on the Penn website puts a BAC of 0.287 into perspective:
- Judgment is affected at 0.06.
- Every U.S. state considers people legally drunk at 0.08.
- Reactions and muscle control are affected negatively at 0.10.
- Most drinkers throw up at 0.12.
- Substantial impact on balance, walking and talking occurs at 0.15.
- People start to black out and suffer from memory loss at 0.20.
- Consciousness can be lost at 0.30.
- Death can occur at 0.40.
The bottom line is that our kids are in danger from their drinking behaviors and state law reflects this by making underage drinking illegal. In Pennsylvania, it is a crime for anyone under 21 to try to buy; purchase; possess; or knowingly transport liquor.
Increased fines
In an attempt to deter kids from drinking, the legislature in 2012 increased fines for underage drinking violations, and the Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett signed the bill into law.
The new law became effective December 24, 2012, and now anyone convicted of underage drinking can be fined up to $500 for the first offense and up to $1,000 for subsequent offenses. Previously, the maximum fine for second and subsequent violations was $500.
Pros and cons
Supporters of the law hope higher fines will deter student drinking behavior, including underage drunk driving, and soften the financial burden on taxpayers who pay the high cost for law enforcement needed to combat underage drinking and crimes related to it, especially in college and university towns.
Some people question whether the increased fines will make any difference when alcohol is such an accepted behavior among many young people, when parents could be the actual ones absorbing the cost and when kids are affluent enough that it will not cause financial pain. A judge interviewed by the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review said he would prefer to steer kids into alcohol education classes or require community service.
Other consequences
An underage drinking offense in Pennsylvania also brings an automatic driver's license suspension, with the length of the suspension varying with the number of previous offenses.
High school and college students need to be careful about drinking for their health and because a criminal record has the potential to hurt their future school admissions, student loan eligibility and employment options.
Anyone accused of underage drinking or a related crime in Pennsylvania, or the parent of such a defendant, should consult with a criminal defense attorney experienced in representing high school and college students in such matters. A knowledgeable lawyer will understand the options for defending the case, including whether the student is a good candidate for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition or ARD, a pretrial diversionary program that emphasizes rehabilitation and can prevent a criminal record.
Article provided by Masorti & Donaldson, P.C.
Visit us at www.statecollegelawyers.com
Pennsylvania Increases Fines for Underage Drinking Crimes
In an attempt to deter kids from drinking, the Pennsylvania legislature in 2012 increased fines for underage drinking violations, and the Gov. Tom Corbett signed the bill into law.
2013-01-29
ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:
Michigan Residents Expected to Increase Credit Card Debt in 2013
2013-01-29
Despite forecasts for an improving economy, many people in the U.S. will find themselves in a much worse financial situation later this year than they expect. Although 2012 financial reports show a decrease in use of credit cards and overall debt loads for the average consumer, banks and other lenders are loosening their grip on their coffers, making it easier for people to borrow and use credit.
The number of filings for bankruptcy in Michigan were down last year, but not because borrowers were being more responsible. With a pending election and a sluggish economy, ...
Use of Drug-Detecting Dog at Issue in Supreme Court Case
2013-01-29
Seemingly each session, the Supreme Court will hear cases regarding actions by law enforcement personnel in their investigations into drug crimes. The Court is asked to determine if these procedures infringe upon our constitutional rights. Often, the decisions expand the use of police power, making it more difficult for those accused of crime to present a strong defense against the accusations.
Recently, the Court heard a case concerning the use of a drug-detecting dog during a Florida traffic stop. This case could lead to many more people being charged with drug crimes.
A ...
Another Florida Car Accident Death Likely from Texting Behind the Wheel
2013-01-29
Unfortunately, the news is becoming all too common of Floridians who die because they or someone else uses cell phones to text behind the wheel. Only 29 years old, a Tampa man died in a single-vehicle crash on a Tuesday evening in November 2012 near the Gandy Bridge in St. Petersburg. His cell phone was found in the front seat displaying an incomplete text message, suggesting that the driver had probably been texting when he lost control of his speeding car.
The driver apparently overcorrected after having veered onto the median and hit a power pole and palm trees. He ...
Study Shows "Never Events" in Surgery Actually Occur Quite Often
2013-01-29
It is a truth universally acknowledged that surgery is something no one wants to go through. However, if it is necessary, patients rightfully expect that the surgeon will exhibit the level of vigilance and competence necessary to make the operation go smoothly and error-free.
Unfortunately, a recent study confirms that certain types of surgical errors that surgeons agree should never happen--called "never events"--actually happen more often than you would believe. Never events include egregious mistakes such as accidentally leaving medical tools or equipment ...
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Overpowers Victims of the Illness
2013-01-29
It may be one of the most agonizing physical diseases. The pain is more than twice as distressing as a broken bone. It is more excruciating than childbirth or having a limb amputated. The condition is reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSD), otherwise known as complex regional pain syndrome.
There is very little known about the disease; yet, researchers suspect that the disorder commences with a traumatic injury, such as a car accident. It is estimated 50,000 people develop RSD each year. Research suggests that cause is not only neurological, but also inflammatory ...
Snowmobile Accidents: A Potential Danger to Minnesota Sled Enthusiasts
2013-01-29
There's no feeling like gliding across an open field or tearing over a frozen lake on your favorite snowmobile. For many Minnesotans, snowmobiling is the recreational activity that defines winter, something to look forward to during the long months of cold temperatures and early darkness.
Yet, thrilling as it is, snowmobiling can be a dangerous activity; Minnesota snowmobile accidents are all too common. From defective sleds to carelessness by fellow riders, the potential risks to snowmobilers are vast.
Defective sleds, reckless snowmobilers, road traffic all serious ...
The Distribution of Inherited Property in a Divorce
2013-01-29
In September 2012, the Court of Appeals of Oregon opined on issues relating to the division of inherited property pursuant to a divorce. The case sheds light on some important property division issues.
Morton v. Morton began when Wife filed for divorce. A lower court awarded Wife spousal support and allocated the couple's property and debts between Husband and Wife. After the case, Husband appealed the property division.
The crux of the appeal was Wife's inheritance from her father during the last years of the couple's marriage. In the Court of Appeals, Husband challenged ...
Truck Accidents Take a Toll on Florida's Commuters
2013-01-29
Trucks can be dangerous on Florida's roads and streets. Recently, the city of Tampa was considering a settlement in a lawsuit filed on behalf of a child who was seriously injured by a utility truck driven by a city employee.
Child struck by a city truck
In November 2009, a four-year-old was riding his tricycle near his home in unincorporated Hillsborough County. This area receives water service from the city of Tampa, and a meter reader for the city was in the neighborhood to check water meters.
The meter reader was using a city truck and had been out of the truck ...
Even With Homicides Up in Chicago, Evidence Falls Short in Murder Cases
2013-01-29
According to Chicago police officials, the city ended 2012 with a total of 506 homicides. This number represented an increase of 15 percent from 2011. In the first 16 days of 2013, Chicago logged 25 homicides -- on pace to overtake the 40 homicides recorded a year ago in January of 2012.
Yet, even with homicides on the rise, murder convictions are down in the Windy City. Some experts believe that one of the primary reasons is that fewer people have been willing to come forward as witnesses.
Witnesses reluctant to talk to Chicago police
Twenty years ago, the clearance ...
Eyeglasses Retailer America's Best Encourages Cataract Awareness
2013-01-29
America's Best understands that most people only think about their eye health if they can't see or if the need a new pair of glasses. But for people over 50, cataracts may be an issue that can cause a deterioration in vision. Understanding the risks and how to detect cataracts can help people over 50 to protect their vision.
Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye that can be caused by age, exposure to sunlight, certain medications or injury. Some health conditions may also contribute to the development of cataracts. Cataracts are like a filmy haze that cover ...
LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES:
Global and European experts convene in Warsaw for Europe’s leading public health conference on infectious diseases
How do winter-active spiders survive the cold?
Did US cities’ indoor vaccine mandates affect COVID-19 vaccination rates and outcomes?
How does adoption of artificial intelligence affect employees’ job satisfaction?
Can social media help clarify the threat domestic cats pose to insect and spider populations?
All-you-can-eat: Young adults and ultra-processed foods
MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS) awarded £1 million to boost life science partnerships in White City
KIMM launches initiative to establish a regional hub for mechanical researcher in Asia
AMI warns that the threat of antimicrobial resistance in viruses and other pathogens cannot be underestimated
As ‘California sober’ catches on, study suggests cannabis use reduces short-term alcohol consumption
Working with local communities to manage green spaces could help biodiversity crisis, new study finds
Parental monitoring is linked to fewer teen conduct problems despite genetic risk
From stadiums to cyberspace: How the metaverse will redefine sports fandom
The hidden rule behind ignition — An analytic law governing multi-shock implosions for ultrahigh compression
Can AI help us predict earthquakes?
Teaching models to cope with messy medical data
Significant interest in vegan pet diets revealed by largest surveys to date
A new method for the synthesis of giant fullerenes
National team works to curb costly infrastructure corrosion
A ‘magic bullet’ for polycystic kidney disease in the making
Biochar boosts clean energy output from food waste in novel two-stage digestion system
Seismic sensors used to identify types of aircraft flying over Alaska
The Lancet: Experts warn global rise in ultra-processed foods poses major public health threat; call for worldwide policy reform
Health impacts of eating disorders complex and long-lasting
Ape ancestors and Neanderthals likely kissed, new analysis finds
Ancient bogs reveal 15,000-year climate secret, say scientists
Study shows investing in engaging healthcare teams is essential for improving patient experience
New pika research finds troubling signs for the iconic Rocky Mountain animal
Seismic data can identify aircraft by type
Just cutting down doesn’t cut it when it comes to the impact of smoking on your health
[Press-News.org] Pennsylvania Increases Fines for Underage Drinking CrimesIn an attempt to deter kids from drinking, the Pennsylvania legislature in 2012 increased fines for underage drinking violations, and the Gov. Tom Corbett signed the bill into law.