Walton County Law Enforcement Targeting Underaged Drinking and Drug Crimes during Spring Break

Arresting college spring breakers by the busloads, Walton County police are going after virtually every single person who looks under 21 years old and may be in possession of any alcoholic beverage, from a can of beer to a red solo cup.

Whether it is on the beach, vacation resort, or condo – police are out in full force to seek and arrest as many individuals as possible.

They are even allocating resources normally used for deterring more serious criminal behaviors like violent crimes in order to send a message to our spring break visitors. No more playing nice, and no more Notices to Appear for MIP.

They want to take you to jail so that you have to bond out. They get the cash bond and hold that money until the Possession of Alcohol by a Person under 21 (Minor in Possession) case is resolved at which point, the bond money is directed to pay the court costs. The process is becoming more automated as well.

They are even using a website called www.jailatm.com in order to expedite and facilitate remote payment of the bond.

Under-aged drinking is against the law, yes, but does it deserve so much attention by our law enforcement officials and elected officials? As it stands now, their policies are in place with no signs of change in the near future.

So if you are from out of town and are arrested for a crime while on your Florida vacation, from Possession of Alcohol, Possession of Marijuana, or DUI, the best thing you can do is contact a local criminal defense attorney that practices law in the specific county where you were arrested.

Attorney Shawn Lupella has practiced law for many years in Okaloosa County and Walton County and is available 24/7 to help those arrested while on vacation in Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and throughout the Florida Panhandle. Offering free consultations, help is only a phone call away. (850) 362-6655

 

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