Giving Alcohol to Minors Can Cause You to Lose Your License

June 6, 2008 - "Contributing to the delinquency of a minor" is typically issued when an adult provides alcohol to a person or persons under 21 years of age. Just how serious is this offense in the state of Georgia? The degree of punishment varies depending on the number of times the offender has been convicted of the misdemeanor.
As early as the very first charge, however, the adult "enabler" will have his or her driver’s license suspended for a period of six months. In other words, an adult who is very cautious and responsible on the road is still susceptible to the suspension of his or her driver’s license (based on off-road actions). In addition to this punishment, first-time offenders may be imprisoned for up to six months, fined a total of up to $300, or both. Upon the second conviction of supplying alcohol to a minor, an offender may face a period of twelve months in prison and/ or a fine of up to $5,000. The offender’s driver’s license is suspended for one year, and the individual is placed on probation and must complete a comprehensive rehabilitation program lasting as many as three years.
In what other ways could an individual lose his or her driver’s license while not even driving? Failing to pay child support, allowing insurance to lapse, failing to pay a parking ticket, being convicted of a drug offense, and falsifying information when applying for a driver’s license are all actions that can lead to the suspension of one’s license. Even worse, a person’s driver’s license can be revoked if one refuses to take any portion of a driving exam or is found to be incapable of safe driving due to illegal addictions or mental or physical disability. So, remember that even if you are not driving, your conduct can result in the loss of your driving privileges.