You may be surprised to learn that you can face criminal charges if underage drinking happens in your home. Illinois law makes it illegal to knowingly allow minors to consume alcohol, even if no one is driving. If you are accused of allowing it to happen, you could face fines, criminal charges, civil lawsuits, and lasting consequences. An experienced Aurora, IL underage drinking defense attorney can help you understand your rights and options.
What Is Illinois’s Social Host Law?
Illinois has a strict “social host” law that holds adults accountable if minors drink on their property. Under 235 ILCS 5/6-16(a)(iii), an adult cannot knowingly purchase, give, or deliver alcohol to a person under 21, except in limited circumstances like religious ceremonies. Separately, subsection (c) makes it unlawful to knowingly permit underage possession or consumption of alcohol in the home.