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House parties are a quintessential part of adolescence, but they’re also one of the most common places where underage drinking occurs. Ohio has unique laws regarding the host’s liability, and defense attorney James F. Bogen, Attorney at Law, in Cincinnati explains that because of these stipulations, you may face criminal charges if minors consume alcohol on your property. Here, he discusses the regulations and your rights.

What Is Host Liability?

Ohio’s liability law is geared toward prosecuting the host of the social event where minors are consuming alcohol. If that individual knowingly allows or serves them such beverages, they are criminally responsible and can be sentenced up to six months in jail or charged a $1,000 fine. Police also have the right to confiscate contraband and personal items present.

defense attorneyHowever, if a parent or guardian over the age of 21 provides their child alcohol and is supervising them, host liability doesn’t apply. This includes in restaurants and bars, though an establishment is allowed to deny serving it to minors. However, if anyone underage that isn’t your child is present and drinking, you will be held responsible.

How It Applies to Personal Injury Law

As the host serving alcohol to minors, Ohio considers you responsible for any harm that comes to or is caused by guests within a designated period. For example, if an underage person drinks at your home and gets in a car accident that kills another driver, you will be held accountable too. The decedent’s family can submit a personal injury claim against the drunk individual, which, in turn, will also be filed against you since their intoxication is in part owed to your negligence.

To keep both yourself and minors safe, never serve alcohol or host underage drinking events. However, if you’re facing charges, turn to a defense attorney at James F. Bogen, Attorney at Law. He offers comprehensive legal services and is dedicated to helping clients achieve a positive outcome. Call (513) 503-7251 today to speak with the defense attorney and visit the website to learn about how a DUI attorney and drug offense lawyer can help.

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