Legal Question in Civil Litigation in New York

Re: Liability for Underage Drinking

Possibly, if the parents didn't take due care to prevent easy access to alcahol or didn't take reasonable steps to deter the underage drinking. Lack of knowledge on tis own is not a complete defense.

Should you like to discuss this or any other legal matter, you can e-mail me for more information about low cost face-to-face, on-line, or a telephone consultation with a lawyer in our office.

Re: Liability for Underage Drinking

In general parents of underage children can be held liable for the actions of their children unless the child has been emancipated. You might want to hire an attorney to represent you in speaking to the Ditrict Attorney's office to see if there are any charges that are going to potentially be brought, and see if you can anticipatorily put a stop to any charges which may be in consideration.

Carlos Gonzalez, Esq.

phone: 7185419077

Re: Liability for Underage Drinking

Not "anything" but they should instruct their son/daughter on the law, tell them that if anyone does appear to be drinking, or to be drunk, to prevent the person from driving, etc.

If they are aware of the party and do not take reasonable steps to insure that safe practices are observed, there could be liability.