Underage Alcohol Program

In 2004 a group of professionals including law enforcement, court personnel, educators and Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) counselors met to put together a program to respond to the underage alcohol possession/ consumption violations that were occurring in the county. This group came up with a response that will suspend the offender’s driving privilege for 90 days upon conviction for a  first  offense underage possession/consumption of alcohol in addition to the fines imposed by the citation. The offender is allowed a one-time opportunity to avoid the driver’s license suspension by successfully completing an approved underage alcohol and other drug education course.

Those having received a citation for first offense underage possession/ consumption of alcohol will be given an opportunity, prior to appearing before the Judge, to receive information regarding available programs and will be provided with enrollment forms if they are interested in participating in the program.

Upon conviction, the Judge will impose but stay the driver’s license suspension for thirty (30) days to provide an opportunity to enroll in the approved course. Failure to complete the enrollment within thirty days or to complete the course successfully when scheduled will result in a Court ordered 90 day suspension of one’s driving privilege.

Any questions regarding the Underage Alcohol Education Program may be directed to Elizabeth Platt (608) 930-9816.