WAYNE ALLIANCE,WAYNE TOWNSHIP PUBLIC SCHOOLS,&WAYNE TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT SHARE PROM AND GRADUATION TIPS

 Can I host a party and serve alcohol to minors as long as I am supervising the party?

As a parent, the law permits you to serve alcohol to only your child, on your own property.If any other minor is being served you can be issued a disorderly persons complaint whichwould fall under the Criminal Justice Code.  A fine, not less than $500.00 and up to ninetydays in jail could be imposed by the judge.  These penalties could be imposedwhether or not you are supervising the party being held on your property.  Inaddition, you could be charged civilly by the parents of the minors for providing alcohol tothem.  Those minors could also be charged with possession.  (Refer to question #1.)  Ifsomeone becomes ill or gets into an accident you could also be held responsible criminallyas well as civilly for damages.

3.  What could happen if my child is caught driving a motor vehicle with too manypassengers while driving with a provisional license (GDL)?
The Provisional drivers license (GDL- Graduated Drivers License) was created based on the high fatality crash rate among teenage drivers. This program began approximately 10 years ago and has proven to save lives. The holder of the GDL is not allowed to operate any motor vehicle between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.; plus they may only have one additional passenger who does not reside with the GDL holder. If the GDL holder or a passenger is 21 years of age or older, this restriction does not apply.  A summons can be issued for any violations of the GDL law or any other violations of NJ motor vehicle laws.  If the driver accumulates more than two motor vehicle points, they shall be required to complete a remedial training course.

4.  What happens if my child is caught in a car where marijuana is found?
The officer could place all the occupants in the vehicle under arrest for possession ofmarijuana.  It would not matter if your child did not smoke the marijuana.  The vehiclewould be impounded.  The marijuana would be placed into evidence.  All the occupantscould be transported to the police station and issued a disorderly persons complaint underthe Criminal Justice Code for possession of a controlled dangerous substance.  The penaltieswould include a presumptive loss of license for six months, a mandatory DEDR, DrugEnforcement Demand Reduction, penalty fee of $500.00, and court costs would beimposed.  The same penalties apply regardless of whether your child is found in a vehicle,the woods, a house, or a park.  In addition, a Motor Vehicle summons could be issued whichwould suspend their driver’s license for up to two additional years.
5.  What if my child was driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol?
This falls under the Motor Vehicle Laws.  If the officer determines the driver is under theinfluence, he or she could be placed into custody.  The vehicle will be impounded.  Thedriver will be transported to the police department and given a breath test.  Being under theage of twenty-one there are two different categories.  If the driver’s blood alcohol resultsare under 0.08%, the court would impose a $100.00 DWI surcharge, loss of license for 30to 90 days, a minimum fine of $250.00, twelve hours of DWI school, and 15 to 30days of community service. These charges would apply if the officer determines the driverhas had any alcohol. If the blood alcohol levels are over .08% the driver would betreated as if they were twenty-one years of age.  All the fines would be the same.  However,the loss of license (Suspension) would be a minimum of seven months.  Also, car insurancecompanies have been imposing surcharges of a $1000.00 per year for three years whena person is guilty of driving while intoxicated.  If a license is suspended for a DWI violationand the driver is convicted for operating a vehicle during that suspension period,  the drivercan be charged with a 4th Degree Crime and a term in prison.   Additionally, if adriver is convicted of a second DWI violation, a minimum sentence of not less than sixmonths in prison shall be imposed.  The driver will not be eligible for parole.
On behalf of all members of the Wayne Police Department, the Wayne Alliance, and Wayne Township Public Schools we hope that our students and young drivers actresponsibly at all times.  We encourage you and your children to keep these commonlyasked questions in mind for the remaining months of the school year which are filled withcelebrations and graduation ceremonies.  We will do everything possible to help you havethe safe and enjoyable months ahead that you so deserve.  During these memorable times inyour lives, please do your part to keep this year free of any tragedies.  Have the courage tostand up and say “NO.”  Remember, the life you save could be your own, or that of a friendor loved one.
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Wayne Alliance for the Prevention of Substance Abuse, Superintendent of Wayne Township Schools, Chief of Police, Wayne Township Police Dept.
For more information: 
Robbin Gulino, Alliance Coordinator 475 Valley Road, Wayne, N.J., 07470 973-694-1800, ext. 3244 alliance@waynetownship.com

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