New Jersey Underage Drinking: Adults Can Be Legally Liable Too!

For some teenagers, drinking has become a rite of passage. However, what they do not realize is that under New Jersey law, the passage may lead to a serious conviction that can haunt them well into adulthood. The State of New Jersey also believes that parents and caregivers play a vital role in their child’s attitude towards the consumption of alcohol. As such, the state has adopted laws, which hold these adults liable for certain situations involving alcohol.

The Social Host Liability Laws

Under New Jersey’s social host liability laws, adults who serve or provide alcoholic beverages to individuals under the age of 21 may be liable if any of these minors are killed or injured. If the adults, often parents who host their homes for parties for their underage children, break the social host liability laws, they could be liable for the victim’s medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering.

Criminal Proceedings 

In addition to civil lawsuits, liable parents may also be subject to criminal prosecution under New Jersey law. Moreover, the parents may be criminally liable even if they are not at home when the underage drinking takes place.

Even though these laws are designed to prevent underage drinking, not all adults who face civil or criminal charges deserve punishment. If you are facing a violation of the social host liability laws or criminal proceedings, you should call our experienced New Jersey DUI attorneys.

Contact Us Today!

If you or a loved one was arrested for a DUI, you need to immediately call NJ DWI attorney Dan Matrafajlo at 908-248-4404 for a free consultation. We have offices in Elizabeth, North Brunswick and Newark, New Jersey to serve you. Mr. Matrafajlo has the experience in New Jersey municipal courts that you need. He has been recognized locally for his legal ability and named a SuperLawyers Rising Star by his peers. Dan has the knowledge and skill to prepare the best strategy and present the best evidence at your DUI bench trial to increase the likelihood of dismissing the DUI charges against you.

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