<p>I am not an attorney so I cannot tell you the specifics about the law . I just know that there is a common believe that kids will be in face serious consequences if brought intoxicated to a hospital and that in itself is a problem. Spring Break used to be bigger around here (maybe still is in Daytona). Many kids now are heading to the Caribe or Mexico for Spring Break were the drinking age is a lot lower.</p>
<p>I wonder what message is being sent to high school students whose parents allow them to go to Florida, the Caribbean or Mexico with their friends for spring break.</p>
<p>Well, I was thinking more of college Spring Break really. Legal drinking age is 21 in Florida so many cities that were famous for their Spring Break bonanzas started to increase police presence and many young kids decided to go where the law is more lenient.</p>
<p>Well, I was thinking more of college Spring Break really. Legal drinking age is 21 in Florida so many cities that were famous for their Spring Break bonanzas started to increase police presence and many young kids decided to go where the law is more lenient.</p>
<p>I have not known a Fl kid that hurt someone else. the boys I have known go to rehab for 3 weeks, in specialized facilities.</p>
<p>OP- I’ve been thinking about your son and was wondering how he is doing? Also will you find out soon about any sentence and has he started looking at which colleges he plans on applying to?</p>
<p>What is more important than the laws in place, is how they are enforced. There are all sorts of maximum penalties allowed for even minor, (on surface) transgressions, but many times they simply are not used. What’s unusual in the OP’s case is that a new law is in place with a mandatory jail sentence that the judge has to impose. Also, the DA is going to be hard put to reduce charges due to this new law which has not really had a chance for a work out yet. As spring/summer 'tis the season for these things and young people.</p>
<p>Of course, the mandatory sentences and procedures are set up to prevent people from weasling out of consequences, particularly repeat offenders who are the ones who most often do, simply because they know the routine and refuse to cooperate with the law. </p>
<p>The severity of FL law is probably to give the cops and the court system there maximum flexibility. Depending on the jusrisdiction, and focus on this issue, the consequences often have looking the other way and reduced charges if hauled in and charged.</p>
<p>He’s doing OK, thanks for asking. I was proud of him for how he stayed focused on school for the last few weeks of the year–things could have been much worse here on the home front if on top of everything else the emotional fallout had caused him to fail classes.</p>
<p>We will find out soon about the sentence. His court date is a week from Tuesday and our lawyer has the framework of a plea deal put together with the prosecutor, but the judge has discretion in terms of how to hand down the sentence. So he knows generally what he’s facing (license suspension/fines/jail time in some form) but the judge has the power to make things a lot easier or harder on him.</p>
<p>OP- I’m glad he was able to stay focused on school. I’m sure that wasn’t easy for him. It’s good to hear that your lawyer has things under control. I hope if there is any sentence it can be done before school starts in the fall so your son enjoy senior year. Please keep us posted.</p>
<p>NCDad - Thanks for keeping us updated. I am posting anonymously to protect my child’s identity because we went through a similar situation. It happened to us a year and a half ago but I still get the dead spot in my chest when I read your posts. </p>
<p>Like your situation, thankfully no one was hurt but we went through lots of heart ache and expense to resolve everything. In our situation our child handled the initial trauma well but after everything was resolved he had a tough time. Unfortunately he had gone back to college and hid thing things from us (despite weekly skyping) so we weren’t aware of what was going on. I honestly think he had PTSD. He’s fine now but we basically threw a semester of tuition down the drain.</p>
<p>My point is to advise you that even though your son is doing okay now you still have a long road ahead of you. Keep close tabs on him and trust your gut if you think he needs additional help. I’m glad he has an extra year at home with you to help him through this.</p>
<p>NCDad, thanks for updating us. Good luck with the judge, and so glad your son is doing okay. Glad he will have the summer to regroup (in several ways).</p>
<p>Lucky him to have supportive, even-handed parents; sounds like you have found exactly the right balance between appreciating (and making sure he appreciates) the seriousness of the situation and just loving and supporting him.</p>
<p>Thinking of you and your son this week and I am praying for the best outcome for both of you.</p>
<p>Yes, thinking of you and good luck tomorrow.</p>
<p>ditto. Thoughts and prayers. Good luck.</p>
<p>Yes - hope it goes well tomorrow. Please let us know. Fingers crossed for no jail time.</p>
<p>This NCMom is also praying all goes well tomorrow! Sending hugs to NCDad and mom as well!</p>
<p>OP- Thinking and praying for your family. I hope things go well for all of you tomorrow.</p>
<p>My thoughts will be with you tomorrow.</p>
<p>I think many of us will be keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers tomorrow. And thank you again for sharing your situation with us - it has spurred discussions with kids and parents across the country. It may save lives!</p>
<p>Yes, thank you for sharing. It has spurred conversations at our house too. Since I spoke with D1 about your son’s situation, she is more patient with my discussions. “I know, Mom, you have to say it. Don’t worry.” </p>
<p>I hope all goes as well as it can tomorrow.</p>