A graduation party in a city on Maryland's coast supposedly involved several juveniles consuming alcohol at the home of a 55-year-old man. It is also reported that there was a fight at the party. Underage drinking is illegal in all states, as is providing alcohol to a person under the age of 21.
The homeowner has been officially charged by Maryland law enforcement with providing alcohol to minors, marijuana possession, reckless endangerment and other criminal charges. Two other individuals, aged 19 and 20, are also facing drug charges. The 16 juveniles who were arrested at the party will face charges for the consumption of alcohol. It is not clear if the homeowner had a connection to the young men and women who attended the party.
Law enforcement was alerted to the party after a witness reported a large amount of people at the house. According to the report, there was a fight outside involving several people. At least three people required medical treatment from the incident. Because of apparent chaos at the home, it could be difficult for the prosecution to clearly connect evidence to those who have been charged making it difficult for the prosecution to secure a conviction.
Charges related to underage drinking can bring serious penalties to any of the defendants. Both the homeowner and others arrested at the party should take these charges seriously and explore all of their options for a criminal defense. All of the individuals involved are considered innocent in the eyes of the law until and unless their guilt is proved beyond a reasonable doubt.
Source: delmarvanow.com, "Police: Charges pending after underage drinking party", , May 29, 2014
