Underage drinking laws exist because, in most cases, young people may not realize how alcohol affects them. For some who have only been driving legally for a few years, alcohol adds an element of danger they are not ready to handle. One young man in North Carolina has learned this lesson through tragedy and now faces drunk driving charges.
On the night after Thanksgiving, the 19-year-old man was visiting the home of his 24-year-old friend and the friend's 26-year-old girlfriend. The three allegedly drank numerous malt beverages that the couple purchased. At some point in the evening, the woman went to a nearby liquor store and purchased a bottle of Hennessy, which she reportedly shared with her guest. Just after midnight, the younger man left the house and drove through a residential neighborhood.
North Carolina police reports say the man was driving too fast when he lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a home. A father and his two children were in the home at the time. The children suffered minor injuries, but their father was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver is now facing DUI and death by motor vehicle charges. The two with whom he had been staying that evening are each charged with providing alcohol to a minor.
The serious nature of the charges means the driver likely faces tough sentencing if he is convicted. He and his friends face an uncertain future. The most prudent course of action in these situations would be to establish a strong defense strategy that may include negotiating for a lesser charge or alternative sentencing. An experienced attorney can assist those facing drunk driving charges and associated offenses.
Source: wncn.com, "Pair gave alcohol to teen who crashed into Raleigh house, killing dad, police say", Jan. 15, 2018
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