LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Lubbock County Sheriff’s deputies arrested five teenagers on April 19, just hours after leaving prom. They are now charged with minor in possession and/or minor in consumption.
“We want people to understand that these situations turn deadly very fast,” Cpl. Tracie Manthei, public information officer for the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office, said.
“As prom season is going on, we want to remind minors that you should not be consuming or in possession of alcohol,” Manthei said. “If we pull you over and you have a possession of alcohol or have even consumed alcohol, you will be in violation and will get a ticket or a trip to jail.”
Penalties and long-term consequences
Manthei said the first offense will be considered a Class C charge with a $500 fine, plus any additional classes.
“If this is a repeated issue, then this may go up to a Class B misdemeanor, which will be on your criminal record forever,” Manthei said. “That could affect your professional career, such as law enforcement, lawyers, and nursing. They all look up your criminal record, and that can have an impact on the professional license you are trying to pursue.”
Between March 1 and April 19, the sheriff’s office made 18 arrests of minors. The charges range from minor in possession, minor in consumption, attempt of purchase of alcohol, or misrepresentation of age.
During that same time span, the Lubbock Police Department arrested eight minors, with half of their charges relating to alcohol. Eight out of 12 citations were for minor in consumption and/or possession of alcohol.
LPD released the following statement:
“The Lubbock Police Department encourages all drivers to practice safe driving at all times. No one under the age of 21 should be consuming alcohol and the use of any controlled substance by anyone, regardless of age, is illegal. Parents are encouraged to come up with a plan of where their children will be during prom night and discuss safe driving practices with them. Driving under the influence, minors in possession of alcohol, minors in consumption of alcohol and/or possession of any illegal substance will result in a citation and/or an arrest.”
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