As an adult, you owe a duty of care to the minors in your life—even those who are not part of your family. However, many defense attorneys meet with clients who are unaware of the criminal consequences of providing minors with alcohol. If you’re wondering what penalties you might face in this situation, below is more information so that you can avoid them.

What Constitutes the Offense?

As a parent in Ohio, you can legally provide alcohol to your child, even if they are not of age. However, if you sell or provide alcohol to any person under 21 who you are not the guardian of, you could face a criminal offense. This law applies to anyone who owns a bar, liquor store, restaurant, or another establishment that sells alcoholic beverages. It also applies to adults who have minors in their home, and knowingly allow them to drink under their roof, which is known as social host liability.

If you make a reservation at an external establishment—such as a hotel or campground—and an underage person that is not your child drinks while there, you could receive a criminal charge. The only exceptions to this law relate to alcohol that is furnished for medical or religious reasons, such as communion wine during a church service.

What Are the Possible Consequences?

In Ohio, adults who furnish alcohol to minors that are not their children will face a first-degree misdemeanor charge. This carries up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail. If you sold the alcohol to a minor, you may also have your liquor sales permit taken away. This charge can remain on your record, preventing you from further employment and presenting issues with official processes, such as immigration and naturalization.

If you receive a charge for furnishing alcohol to a minor, contact James F. Bogen, Attorney at Law in Cincinnati, OH. This dedicated defense attorney will examine your case thoroughly and argue to disprove your liability. He has been passionately defending his clients since 2002, whether they are trying to avoid a DUI conviction or receive a social host liability charge. Learn more about his practice areas by visiting his website. Call (513) 503-7251 to schedule a consultation with this skilled defense attorney.