I am 18 years old and just got put on probation for 3-4 months for underage consumption. My PO was new and didn't explain things very well. I am in cleveland Ohio. I was wondering if anyone could tell me how often one usually gets tested? How long a test usually shows up for? I am an active athlete meanign I am constantly sweating 5 to 6 times per week. Also do they give you a warning on when you have to come in and get tested because I have constant doctor appointments a job schedule and practice so I would need to make advance plans to let these people know I couldn't be there.

They can test you on every visit you make to the PO, give it a good two days to clear. OF course the issue is you have no intentino on stoping your under age drinking, so if you get someone mad at you that gives you up ( blackmail time for a ex friend) or if you get caught by the police again, that probation can end up jail days.

Thanks for the advice do they give u a day or two notice or do they wake u up and say come in now

I think they can test you at random while under probation. Here is a novel idea, don't drink for 4 months. If you cannot possibly stop drinking for that short of a period, your biggest problem is not your probation, it is your addiction.

I don't know why everyone always assumes the worse. And jp is wrong they have to give you an appointment a couple days ahead of time until you fail one. They can test you at random under increased supervision. But thanks Jp for being a complete with your sarcastic attitude its people like you that us in need of advice don't want to hear from

Too bad you didn't ask your questions when you had your meeting with the PO. Also wondering if you have access to a telephone to call and ask your questions so that you will have an answer directly from the office that is involved in your case.

In your previous post, you mentioned sweating a lot, which I took as meaning that you are thinking that will help clear your system from the continued consumption... so I think jp's reaction to your question is understandable from the standpoint that you seem to be wanting advice on beating the system to continue your consumption.

You might be successful, but then you might not. Is it worth taking the chance? I know of more than one guy that lost his college sports scholarship because he thought he knew how to work the system. It often multiplies resulting in greater legal fees, loss of employment, with the snow ball effect making problems bigger and bigger.

I don't know your plans, only trying to help you see JP's comment in a different light... as in a wake up call...

As an 18 year old adult, it's your decision as to what course you choose. You are the one who will have to live with the consequences. I'll wish the best for you.

They can do random checks, they can show up at your door and ask to look around to see if there is beer in the fridge. Now will they, most likely not,unless you have a friend get mad at you or a girl friend want to get even and they call and report you. Normally you will just have preset appointments to go in and see them, and they check you when you go in.

i dont know why everyone always assumes the worse. and jp is wrong they have to give you an appointment a couple days ahead of time until you fail one. they can test you at random under increased supervision. but thanks Jp for being a complete with your sarcastic attitude its people like you that us in need of advice dont want to hear from

Um, I am a licensed attorney in Ohio, and from the criminal attorneys I know (I do not practice criminal law), they have said they can do random checks. Not sarcasam. You are underage, get yourself together and follow the law. You are looking for a way to continue to drinking and not get caught. It is people like you that deserve to be caught. I don't feel the slightest bit sorry for you, I have seen too many lives ruined by people who drink too much, or those that think they can drink and drive.

This is getting a little ridiculous I am in no means drinkign and driving that is horrible. This is my first offense and I am a kid looking for advice on what to expect. I am not a bad kid. I am a 3.8 student graduation with an honors diploma. I have been accepted to my three top colleges all to their honors colleges. I made one bad mistake in my life and got caught. I am looking for advice. You guys are being ahrder on me than the judge. I am not a regular drinker I just want to know if the situation ever came up what would be the risks and chances.

And I did call me PO multiple times and he has yet to call me back I think he's new atleat that's what the office said cuase he didn't ell me any of this

If you were cited in Cleveland the PO you were assigned probably has an over abundance of cases and to be quite honest a kid on probation for underage consumption is pretty low on the call back list.

You can say that you are just asking for what ifs but your previous questions insinuated that you were looking for a way to beat the system. If you have good grades and good college prospects, don't muck it up by drinking and risking getting caught. You have a real likelihood of ending up doing some jail time if you get caught while on probation. Keep your nose clean, focus on school and wait until you can legally drink. I know it seems like a long time off, but it is 3 years away. You will be just fine. You don't have to worry about what ifs and hypotheticals if you don't get yourself into situations.

As for being harder on you than the judge, I have heard that from 7th graders I counsel down in the Tremont school I have worked at teaching constitutional law. As I tell them, it is better for me to be harder on you before you have to face a judge or police officer. Much better to hear it early from me then later when you have already been dealt your cards.

this is getting a little ridiculous i am in no means drinkign adn driving that is horrible. this is my first offense and i am a kid looking for advice on what to expect. i am not a bad kid. i am a 3.8 student graduation with an honors diploma. i ahve been accepted to my three top colleges all to their honors colleges. i made one bad mistake in my life and got caught. i am looking for advice. you guys are being ahrder on me than the judge. i am not a regular drinker i just want to know if the situation ever came up what would be the risks and chances.


Really not judging but if you are a really good kid, obey the law, this is your only mistake, why are you concerned about drug/alcohol testing and how much advance notice you get, how much you will sweat out, etc.

It does make you sound like you don't plan to quit drinking although underage - it really does.

I agree with Judy. Underage drinking is not good. Try waiting until you're 21 and then you won't have to worry about tickets for underage drinking. If you are caught drinking then you'll be in violation and then get a swell probation violation hearing and possibly may have to do some jail time in the county jail. A friend of mine in Ashland got 6 months in jail as he violated his probation for underage drinking. Give that some thought to what you want to do for the next few months until your probation is over.

And some PO are real pains in the next, they may hate jocks and want to nail you to the wall because they always hated jocks in high school, believe me it can work that way. Perhaps his younger cousin died in a car wreck from a drunk driver and he wants to make an example of all drunks.

So best bet, follow the rules, also that pretty girlfriend, she gets mad, guess who she turns in tomorrow? Make someone mad, and guess who they may call.

So why risk it, won't make many practices if you sit in jail a few weeks ?

I completely understand where you guys are coming from. I am in no means trying to cheat the system. I was more of looking for an answer just in case a special night happens like on graduation or my cousins wedding. Something along those lines. I just was confused on how this whole thing works cause this probation officer is very new and not on top of things yet from what the department has told me. I ams till in high school so I live at home so my parents having beer would affect me? Any information on this kind of probation would help. Anything at all, cause I feel lost.

And that guy in ashland seems like a pretty harsh sentence I'm sure it was for like getting caught at a party not testing positive for alcohol

And that guy in ashland seems like a pretty harsh sentence I'm sure it was for like getting caught at a party not testing positive for alcohol

i completely understand where you guys are coming from. i am in no means trying to cheat the system. i was more of looking for an answer just in case a special night happens like on graduation or my cousins wedding. something along those lines. i just was confused on how this whole thing works cause this probation officer is very new and not on top of things yet from what the department has told me. i ams till in high school so i live at home so my parents having beer would affect me? any information on this kind of probation would help. anything at all, cause i feel lost.


Sorry to be harsh but here's a thought - you're underage. Don't drink, special occasion or not, unless you want to go to jail. Lots of people have weddings and graduations and don't serve alcohol to anyone. No, your parents having beer in the house doesn't affect you, unless you're the one drinking it.

Theone you're a kid! Who is wants a beer once in awhile who was charged with under aged drinking. Hard to believe the police in your town have nothing better to do. Consider this your wake up call, and a 3.8 does not mean you have common sense which is a necessity in society therefore you have to be extra cautious out there. There are ways to beat the system, but in the long run it's not worth it. I'd ask for a reduction in sentence as this is basically a warning from God! If you get caught drinking, or using drugs and driving in most states it's a felony as it should be when anyone gets behind the wheel of a car knowingly unable to drive! Don't go there. Your question is loaded. Your response to the answers received verify the truth. Go up against a bad judge and you'll do time in the general population. Only you know if this is moderation drinking or addiction so face yourself and the best to you!