TITLE 7 of VERMONT STATUES ANNOTATED SECTION 656
It is a civil violation for minors, aged 16 through 20, to consume, possess or attempt to obtain alcoholic beverages. Minors who receive a Notice of Violation of 7 VSA Section 656 are required to go through the Teen Alcohol Safety Program and complete all requirements of the program which includes paying a program fee, completing a substance abuse assessment, and following all recommendations of the assessment.
NOTICE OF VIOLATION Under Section 656, minor alcohol consumption is now a civil violation rather than a criminal offense for minors who are served a Notice of Violation. The Notice of Violation informs you to contact the Teen Alcohol Safety Program where the violation occurred within 15 days. If you fail to do this or fail to complete all conditions that are assigned, the ticket for this violation will be issued by the Judicial Bureau. At that time, you will have the opportunity to contest the charge. If the Judicial Bureau finds you in violation, you will have to pay a $300.00 fine and your driver’s license will be suspended for 90 days.
Due to the license suspension, your automobile insurance rates may increase and you will need to pay a reinstatement fee to get your license back.
NOTICE TO REPORT
Once the Teen Alcohol Safety Program coordinator receives a copy of the Notice of Violation, they will send you a Notice to Report form and a Contract that explains your options and requirements of the Teen Alcohol Safety Program. Program requirements will include participation in alcohol safety education class and/ or written assignments as well as a substance abuse assessment and following the recommendations of the assessment that can include further alcohol education programs or substance abuse counseling. You will also be required to pay a program fee if it is your first violation and program fee if it’s your second violation for participation in the Teen Alcohol Safety Program. You are also responsible for paying for the assessment and any other educational programs or counseling as recommended by the assessment. The fee can be paid by bank check or money order.
If you choose to complete the Teen Alcohol Safety Program’s requirements, the ticket that the police officer has written will be voided and no adjudication will be on your record.
MULTIPLE VIOLATIONS
It is the police officer’s discretion to refer you to the Teen Alcohol Safety Program or to refer the violation to the State’s Attorney’s office for the criminal prosecution if you are found in violation of Vermont’s underage drinking laws. Multiple violations will increase the chances of you being charged criminally or will mean additional requirements imposed by the Teen Alcohol Safety Program.
CRIMINAL CHARGES If you are cited into District Court, the State’s Attorney has the option to refer your case to Diversion. If so, you will need to complete all the contract conditions required of you by a Diversion Program Review Board, which will also include a program fee. Now that you are more informed about laws concerning underage drinking and significant consequences, it gives you more reasons to choose not to drink.
ALCOHOL EDUCATION The Alcohol Education class is held at the ASA Bloomer Building at 88 Merchants Row in Rutland on the second floor in the DCFS conference room. Please call the Teen Alcohol Safety Program at (802) 786-3840 for the time and date of the next class.
