Underage drinking can lead to a variety of criminal charges in Texas. Being a minor in possession of alcohol is illegal in its own right. Furnishing alcohol to minors is also illegal. Underage drinking often leads to issues with drinking and driving, especially because a high school student or college student may not want to call their parents for a ride, even if they know they are too intoxicated to drive safely.
But why do young people find themselves in this position in the first place? Why do they drink alcohol when they know it is illegal to do so until they turn 21?
A variety of reasons
There are many different reasons, and some drink for the same reasons as adults. They may just enjoy it, or they find it relaxing. It can help them in social situations.
Often, though, there is a component of peer pressure. A college student may feel pressured to drink at a party where everyone else is already drinking. They may also just be curious about alcohol and decide to take the risk if they have never used it before.
Finally, some young people are intentionally breaking the rules as they try to carve out an identity for themselves. They may push back against authority naturally or want to do something specifically because they have been told not to.
Legal options for parents
These are just a few reasons why young people may drink, and they can help parents understand why this happens and what steps they should take if their child has been arrested. It is critical to speak to an Austin criminal defense attorney to know what legal defense options exist when facing alcohol-related charges.