Kendall County Juvenile Justice Council Issues Reminders About Underage Drinking for Graduation

The following release was issued by the Kendall County State's Attorney's Office:

The Kendall County Juvenile Justice Council is aware that many families and students in Kendall County are preparing for graduation.  

While graduation is an exciting time for all involved and should be celebrated, there is a potential for festivities to include alcohol. Underage drinking is the number one issue facing youth in Kendall County as was concluded from the recent youth round table discussion.

The youth at the round table have indicated that in many cases parents are providing alcohol to minors or allowing alcohol to be consumed by minors on their property. The Kendall County Juvenile Justice Council would like to highlight the potential dangers and consequences associated with parents providing alcohol or allowing underage drinking.

•  Any parent or guardian who authorizes or permits any consumption of alcohol by anyone under the age of 21 on their property (regardless of whether the parent provided the alcohol) could be charged with a criminal offense, that carries with it a minimum fine of $500 and up to one year in jail.
• If, as a result of the violation stated above, any person suffers great bodily harm or death, the parent or guardian could be charged with a felony and could face 1 to 3 years in prison.
• Any person who provides alcohol to anyone under the age 21 could be charged with a criminal offense and that carries with it a minimum fine of $500 and up to one year in jail.
• In addition to any criminal penalties parents who provide alcohol or allow alcohol to be consumed by minors on their property could face civil liability for any direct or indirect consequences of that alcohol consumption.

Kendall County State’s Attorney Eric Weis wishes to remind everyone that graduation is a time to recognize the accomplishments of our students.  Please don’t let alcohol turn graduation into a time of regret.