If I were Erin I would have demanded the police to document, with proof, that I was sober and had no part in the underage drinking. That way, if the school or police was to attempt to charge me, there would be proof that I was not guilty under any of the circumstances pertaining underage drinking or the possession of alcohol.
It's possible that the school's decision can affect her chances of getting a scholarship from some schools. It could even affect her chances of getting into certain schools. They'll see that the charges are on her record and then judge her accordingly.
The school is obviously standing for the principal against underage drinking. But I still think they need more proof before punishing someone. Let's say, for example, I was charged with assisting in murder because I was seen with the murderer 3 hours before the murder occurred. Although there was no evidence of me at the scene, and I had witnesses stating that I was somewhere else AND I had a police officer saying I wasn't there (referring to the statement saying that officer Brian Neely vouched for her sobriety). There is enough evidence to prove that I'm innocent, but I was still charged? Doesn't make much sense in my mind.
I think schools are involved in efforts to prevent teens from drinking for less of a meaningful reason, and more of a chance to make them look good. Honestly, I think if they wanted to look like their students didn't drink, they would just turn their heads while they hid the evidence. BUT because the cops showed up, they had to look like they were far more strict than they actually might be.
I don't know why the school suspended Erin. It doesn't make sense in my mind. She was doing her friend a favor, she wasn't drinking, "officer Brian Neeley [was] vouching for Erin's sobriety", I don't know what more they needed to see that she did nothing wrong.
This blog entry is very organized and structured in a way that is easy to follow and understand. It is apparent that you answered all of the questions thoroughly, and I like your standpoint on the issue. I agree with your statement regarding the necessity of a legal document proving that Erin was sober while picking her friend up. In my opinion, Erin shouldn't have to even be involved in the case, since she was only there to pick her hammered friend up. By being a good samaritan, the prosecutor should leave her name out of it. She risked her own well being to protect her friend from drunk driving, public intoxication, etc. There should be no controversy, and I hope that this frivolous lawsuit doesn't interfere with Erin's volleyball team, schoolwork, or her future.
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