The case of Diane Katz Santarelli, legally, was difficult to try, however it sends a message to many parents out there that consider serving alcohol at their parties. With prom and graduation parties here, this trial could make you think twice before you consider a rum punch or keg of beer.
No matter what direction this goes, the fact is - it is illegal for teens to drink. Supervised or not, with or without permission from their parents, it is not legal.
Although the jury did not convict Diane Katz Santarelli, 52, on the manslaughter charges, the jury did her of hosting an open house party, a second-degree misdemeanor, and contributing to the delinquency of a child, a first-degree misdemeanor.
Senior St. Johns Circuit Judge Richard O. Watson said a sentencing hearing would be in a couple of weeks. She could get 60 days in jail on the first charge and up to 364 days on the second. If she was convicted of manslaughter, it is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Sources: St. Augustine Record and The Florida Times-Union
Related articles:
Supervised Underage Drinking
Too Smart to Start
The Cool Spot - Educating Your Pre-Teens and Teens
Above the Influence
Drinking and Parenting: Talk to Your Teens
Buzzed Driving Kills the Same as Drunk Driving
Comments
She deserves to go to jail.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!