News from Partners for Otoe County

For underage drinkers between the ages of 18 and 21, a minor in possession of alcohol charge is now a Class III misdemeanor. Senator John Harms of Scottsbluff, sponsor of the bill, said the bill resulted out of necessity. "We are now convincing our kids that drinking alcohol can have serious consequences" he said. The Senator challenged Nebraska parents to get involved. "I also believe that parents play a very large role in whether their children choose to drink. It is vital for parents to talk to kids about alcohol and be involved in their kids' lives." Go to our website at http://www.p4oc.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/LB258-Fact-Card.pdf for more information from MADD Nebraska.

Minor in Possession of Marijuana/Truancy

LB800 adds the 30-day impoundment of a juvenile's driver's license to the potential penalties for first offense minor in possession of marijuana or truancy.

Texting While Driving
texting and driving

LB945, sponsored by Senator Harms states "no person shall use a hand-held wireless communication device to read, manually type, or send a written communication while operating a motor vehicle which is in motion."

A violation of the new texting law would result in a loss of 3 points on the driver's record and a fine of $200 for the first offense, $300 for the second offense and $500 for third and subsequent offenses. This law is a secondary offense, meaning, a driver would have to be committing a primary offense such as speeding or reckless driving to be ticketed for it. Drivers with school permits are subject to impoundment or revocation if they are found to be in violation of the terms of a school permit, and will not be eligible for any type of permit until he or she reaches the age of sixteen years.

The Diversion Option juvenile diversion logo

In Otoe County, first time juvenile offenders have a diversion option through the Otoe County Juvenile Diversion Program. Juvenile offenders referred to the diversion program by the County Attorney, have the opportunity to avoid loss of a driver's license and keep the offense off their record by participating in the Juvenile Diversion Program. Otoe County Attorney David Partsch says "Our goal is to foster proper decision-making. When a youth makes a poor decision, but is given the opportunity to learn from that mistake with proper support, it will not be repeated. We are proud of the success rate of our juvenile diversion program here in Otoe County in minimizing repeat offenses."