You know it's against the law to let students under twenty-one (21) years of age to drink at your home. But, it's just a misdemeanor and not that big of a deal. So what the heck, your child is only a senior in high school once.
Think again! And before you make a final decision think about Diane Santarelli, a mother in Jacksonville, who let students drink at her house. Jesse Pitts, a minor, left the party with Taylor Brennan (also a minor). Jesse, who had been drinking, crashed the car and both he and Taylor were killed.
Diane Santarelli (the mother) was charged with two counts of Manslaughter. Her attorney argued that she could not be held criminally responsible for the deaths. The trial judge disagreed and Florida's appellate court upheld the ruling.
The law in Florida, as of June 10, 2011 is that the host of an open house party can be charged with Manslaughter if a minor, who has been drinking at the party, is killed or kills someone else. The minimum sentence under the Florida sentencing guidelines is eleven (11) years, with an additional eight and a half (8.5) years for each additional death.
So, if you're thinking about letting kids drink at your house, DON'T! Besides having to live with the fact that your actions lead to the death of a child(ren) you may wind up in prison for a long, long time.
For verification see Santarelli v. State, 62 So.3rd 1211 (5th DCA Fla.2007).
LAW OFFICE OF SHANNON MCFEE, P.A.
2671 AIRPORT ROAD SOUTH • SUITE 301 • NAPLES, FL 34112
PHONE: (239) 775-9697 • FAX: (239) 775-3159
