UNDERAGE DRINKING

Information from the County Attorney's Office

By Steven J. Franzen, Campbell County Attorney

Sometimes I become concerned that with all the discussion and focus in Campbell County on our very serious heroin epidemic that we may lose focus on other problems that continue to plague our community such as underage drinking.  No doubt the heroin issue is foremost on the mind of our collective law enforcement resources; nevertheless, underage drinking remains a serious problem in our community and should not be overlooked or given a back seat, lest our children receive the wrong message.

With High School graduations and summer fast approaching, I believe this is a good time to inform our citizens of the law regarding underage drinking.  As everyone knows, under Kentucky law, it is illegal for those under the age of 21 to purchase and consume alcohol.  However, there are additional laws that everyone should be aware of.

Specifically, as most parents know, it is illegal for anyone, even parents, to give or aid a person under the age of 21 in the purchase or consumption of alcohol.  Under state and local law, it is a criminal offense punishable by fine of $250 for a first offense and up to a year in jail and/or $500 fine for a second offense.  Locally, in Fort Thomas for example, it is an offense for a person in control of any real estate to allow anyone under the age of 21 to remain on their property while in possession of alcohol.  A similar ordinance can be found in the Campbell County Code of Ordinances. 

Throughout Kentucky, underage drinking is a serious problem.  In Campbell County for 2013, there were dozens of minors under the age of 18 charged with DUI.  Moreover, over 45 additional minors under the age of 18 were charged with alcohol and drug related crimes resulting in juvenile court appearances in Campbell County last year.  57 other juveniles were referred to the Court Designated Workers Office and countless others were referred to other state sponsored programs.  In addition to the potential criminal liability that the child or the parents could face, the parents may also face civil liability to others for the acts committed by their child.  If you do not think alcohol, when abused, can be a dangerous drug, I invite you to spend a day with me in our local district courtrooms.

Even with this knowledge, I know it's tempting to allow a child to consume alcohol under certain circumstances, such as high school graduation, but the risk of injury or death to the, child, other students or citizens is not worth it.  In addition, the County Attorney’s Office will aggressively prosecute any violations of law or local ordinances concerning this problem that are brought to our attention.

I hope this information is interesting and helpful.  If you have any topics you would like to have covered in this column, please contact my office by e-mail at campbellcoatty@gmail.com, by phone at 491-7700 or by regular mail addressed to 319 York Street, Newport, Kentucky 41071

2020 Census

Information from the County Attorney's Office

By Steven J. Franzen, Campbell County Attorney

Once every ten years, a census counting every person living in the United States occurs as required by the U.S. Constitution.  The first census was in 1790 and the 2020 census conducted by the U.S. Department of Commerce will begin in April of 2020. 

The census is an important tool in our democratic system and a civic duty of all citizens to take part.  Primarily, the census results are used to reapportion how many seats each state gets in the House of Representatives.  However, the census results and data are used for several other government and community functions as well. 

The most important function is that the census data is used as a basis for how more than 675 billion dollars are spent, supporting the state, county and community’s vital programs.  State Officials use the results to redraw boundaries for their congressional and state legislative districts based on population.  Local Officials use census data to assist and improve public safety and emergency management systems.  Census data also is used by businesses and developers to help make determinations on where to locate factories, offices, and stores.   

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, it will be easier than ever to respond to the 2020 Census as you will be able to respond online in addition to responding by mail or phone. 

Although it is your civic duty to respond to the census, many people are concerned that participation could result in your personal information being shared.  However, this concern is unwarranted.  Under Title 13 of the U.S. Code, the Census Bureau cannot release any identifiable information about individuals, households, or businesses, even to law enforcement agencies.  The law clearly states the information collected can only be used for statistical purposes.  In fact, a violation by a Census Bureau staff is punishable with a penalty of up to $250,000 and/or up to 5 years in prison. 

I encourage everyone to participate in the upcoming 2020 census and make sure you are counted.  To learn more about the 2020 census, please visit the Census Bureau’s website at: https://2020census.gov/en. 

I hope this information is interesting and helpful.  If you have any topics you would like to have covered in this column, please contact my office by e-mail at CountyAttorney@CampbellCountyKY.org, by phone at 491-7700 or by regular mail addressed to 319 York Street, Newport, Kentucky 41071.