Teens and Young Adults Face Serious Legal Consequences for Alcohol and Drug Use

 Posted on July 31, 2017 in Drug Crimes

by Jason Luczak and Steve McGaver

Alcohol and drug use by teenagers and young adults under age 21 is prevalent in Wisconsin. This conduct can have serious legal consequences, e.g., detectable levels while driving a motor vehicle; if arrested at a party that is raided; where firearms or fighting is involved; or controlled substances that are shared with a friend, who subsequently dies.

Recent Statistics on Alcohol and Drug Use

The Wisconsin Department of Health services (DHS) regularly collects data on substance use and abuse. Its 2016 Wisconsin Epidemiological Profile is revealing both for teenagers as well as adults. Findings include:

• 28 percent of those aged 12-20 years old reported alcohol use in 2013-2014. This exceeds the nationwide average of 23 percent.
• 18 percent of high school students in Wisconsin reportedly took part in binge drinking in 2013. This number represents a decrease from the high-water mark in 2007, when it was reported that 32 percent of Wisconsin high school students engaged in binge drinking.
• 30 percent of young people ages 18 to 24 took part in binge drinking in Wisconsin in 2014. This age group has the highest rate of binge drinking in the state. The state binge drinking rate is 22 percent, while the national rate is 16 percent.
• 15 percent of Wisconsin youths report drinking alcohol for the first time (“alcohol use initiation”) before 13 years old in 2013. This represents a decrease from 2007. Additionally, the gender gap that once existed has closed. For example, in 2007, 20 percent of girls and 27 percent of boys under 13 reported alcohol consumption. In 2013, that number dropped to 14 percent for girls and 15 percent for boys.
• 15 percent of high school students in the state admitted to illicit use of prescription drugs at some point during their lifetime. 

According to another public health report, within the past decade, the death rate for youths due to drug overdoses has quadrupled in Wisconsin.

Contact an experienced Milwaukee, WI, Juvenile and Criminal Defense Lawyer

Once you, a family member, or a friend is caught up in the criminal justice system for alcohol or drug related charges, it is not a kinder, gentler world. You need an experienced criminal defense attorney, who not only cares about getting the best resolution for you in the criminal case, but also, if there are problematic use or behavior patterns, gets qualified professionals involved to best ensure a good outcome.

The lawyers at GRGB care about you, the client, and look at the whole picture. We are here to help you get through, when you face these difficult legal and personal issues. Call the knowledgeable Milwaukee juvenile and criminal defense attorneys at Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP at 414-271-1440.

Sources:

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p4/p45718-16.pdf

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/11/19/youth-overdose-deaths-increase/

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