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Graduation Celebrations

With graduation this weekend, the Wyoming Police Department is reaching out to teens and parents to reinforce the legal and safety consequences of underage drinking.

Too often, we have seen this time of celebration turn into a time of tragedy. Criminal charges related to underage drinking can change a person’s life. Even worse, serious injury or death can turn what should be a new beginning into a tragic end.

Teens should know that buying or possessing alcohol under the age of 21 can result in multiple criminal charges, including alcohol possession, misrepresentation of age to obtain alcohol and possession of a fake ID. Each charge carries a fine and violators must appear in court.

Charges for consuming alcohol while driving or driving under the influence can carry fines of up to $1500 and, and for an OVI conviction, the loss of a driver’s license for up to 5 years and possible jail time.

Parents and other adults can play a role to ensure teens’ safety during this time of celebration. Adults should be aware that they can be charged criminally with obtaining or furnishing alcohol for anyone under the age of 21. This includes hosting parties where underage drinking is occurring. These charges each carry a fine of $1000 and violators must appear in court.

As the weekend approaches Wyoming Police will increase traffic enforcement on our roadways, particularly during arrival and departure times. The police department hopes the police presence will reduce speeding and aggressive driving, and increase seatbelt use among student drivers. Our goal is to make sure that our teens make the right choices and have a safe time celebrating the beginning of the next phase of their lives.

Submitted by Police Chief Gary Baldauf