What action should be taken for a juvenile under 18 caught drinking alcohol?

The appropriate action for a juvenile under 18 caught drinking alcohol is to arrest them. In many jurisdictions, including North Dakota, there are specific laws regarding the consumption of alcohol by minors. These laws are designed to address not only the act of underage drinking itself but also to deter future violations, promote accountability, and ensure the safety of the juvenile and the community.

When law enforcement officers encounter a minor consuming alcohol, arresting the juvenile may be necessary to prevent potential harm, enforce the law, and initiate appropriate consequences. This can also involve engaging with the legal system, which is equipped to handle cases involving juveniles, where educational and rehabilitative avenues can be explored.

Other responses, such as issuing a warning or merely calling the parents, may not adequately address the seriousness of underage drinking or its implications, while simply referring to court without arresting does not address the immediate need for law enforcement intervention.