The legal drinking age in Georgia is 21, like most other states. Many college students say the law is unfair, because for other adult matters that require great responsibility, like voting, serving in the military, purchasing a gun or working a full time job, a person need only be 18. Many college students admit that they often partake in the responsible consumption of alcohol, despite the law. Unfortunately the law has yet to change, leading to a need for criminal defense for college students who are accused of violating it. 

The students are asking legislators to fix this discrepancy and cite several points. Most students on a college campus do not turn 21 until their third year of college, and yet, alcohol is prevalent at college gatherings because some students are of legal age. Also, in cases where a student may have consumed too much alcohol, many are afraid to seek critical medical help out of fear that they will be punished for breaking the law. 

Georgia lawmakers may indeed take the suggestion under advisement, but for now, the current laws remain in place. Consuming alcohol under the age of 21 can result in criminal charges. Also, providing alcohol to minors is a serious offense. A person may face fines, probation or even jail time. Though alcohol laws consider anyone under 21 to be a minor, courts consider anyone over 18 to be an adult, and a person can be charged as an adult. 

This is certainly confusing, and shows the potential for an incident that may ruin a college student’s future. Criminal defense for college students is available. A compassionate attorney can help protect a student’s rights in court and fight for the best possible result.