Question: Being an Adult at a Party with Underage Drinkers

[justsimon]

This might be a stupid question...

I'm in college so many of my classmates are under the legal drinking age. My friend's turning 21 in a few weeks and wants to have a huge house party. A lot of younger people will be invited. I'm just wondering if I could potentially get into trouble for being at a party with underage drinkers (if the cops are called due to noise or other complaints). I won't be the only adult, but I might be the oldest.

I will not be providing alcohol nor will I be hosting the party.

 

[The_Reaper]

I'm not familiar with Washington law...

But my understanding is that the person who is throwing the party, as well as anyone who gives them alcohol, would be in trouble should the police show up...

At least, that's usually how it goes down here...In most cases, the police will shut the party down and every one will have to clear out; but the owner of the house, or the person responsible for the party, should end up in some hot water...

 

[hotatlboi]

nope, I had this situation come up a few times in college.

What will happen is, the cop will ask who is the owner/host, then that person will be dealt with (and possibly face some issues), then the cop will sometimes ask everyone for their IDs. If you have an ID and are over the legal age, then you are fine and will just be asked to leave once the party is broken up.

 

[mbamike]

If you are the host of the party, YES. It is called contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

 

[Zu-Mendel]

Just as a precaution I would swing around the 'STFU or GTFO' stick a few times if people start to get rowdy. Never put it past a cop to try and pop you with guilt by association.

 

[briefboy86]

This might be a stupid question...

I'm in college so many of my classmates are under the legal drinking age. My friend's turning 21 in a few weeks and wants to have a huge house party. A lot of younger people will be invited. I'm just wondering if I could potentially get into trouble for being at a party with underage drinkers (if the cops are called due to noise or other complaints). I won't be the only adult, but I might be the oldest.

I will not be providing alcohol nor will I be hosting the party.

Well Im a Penn Stater, and have been to plenty of house partys, and as long as your not being overly loud like causing a public disturbance, there should be no reason why the police would show up. Just act chill and all should work out.. (some good ol' PSU advice)

 

[racer2438]

The host iwill be in big trouble not you, unless you brought/bring the booze.

Thne you will be next in line in trouble for sure

 

[Jerry]

All it takes is for one underage drinker to mention your name as an alcohol contributor, and you're at risk for contributing.
Just being at the party involves some risk. You know it's illegal, or you wouldn't be questioning it here. That said, your friend is the reason you would be attending the party, and of course he's legal, so why not assume the others are?

Just be careful. I don't provide alcohol for anyone under 21 and I won't be in a place where underage drinkers are in force...mostly because they're annoying hahahaha

 

[kayman23]

I would just avoid such situations, period.

 

[Tadaa]

I would just avoid such situations, period.

Beat me to it.

 

[Shepherd 2]

You would be asking for a lot of potential trouble. If you want to go to law school or several other professions, the door will be shut to you period. AVOID AT ALL COSTS.
Shep+

 

[altlover85]

I would think you'd be fine because you aren't hosting the party. However, if you are nervous about the situation perhaps it would be wiser not to go.

 

[justsimon]

Thank you all for the advice.

I'm not familiar with Washington law...

But my understanding is that the person who is throwing the party, as well as anyone who gives them alcohol, would be in trouble should the police show up...

At least, that's usually how it goes down here...In most cases, the police will shut the party down and every one will have to clear out; but the owner of the house, or the person responsible for the party, should end up in some hot water...

This is my understanding, as well. I'll probably go as it's a good friend and leave if it starts to get crazy (which I'd do anyway).

 

[justsimon]

But your there, and don't you teach, you may be in bigger trouble than you think.

Nope, I don't teach.

 

[backpacker]

Bad idea to ask for legal advice on a non-legal forum. I don't know Washington law, but typically any adult at the party could be charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor (or whatever your state calls it). Typically in your type of situation, they don't go after all the adults, but they could. Even if the charges don't stick, you will have the cost of an attorney and a major hassle. If it were me, I would either steer totally clear of the party or get out at the first sign the party is getting a little too rowdy.

Now my rant, when are people going to ban together to lower the drinking age. The increase in drinking age has caused far more harm than good. Yes there has been a decrease in drunk driving deaths, but there are other things that can account for that, such as more education, designated drivers and safer cars. The adverse effect has been increased illegal drug use and binge drinking. Not a very good trade off.