Consequences of substance abuse highlighted

MOSES LAKE - It sounds easy enough, just put on the goggles and walk. There was even a line on the mat to make it easier.

Except the goggles are designed to mimic the changes in perception that happen when a person gets drunk. "It looks curly. It's weird," said Moses Lake High School student Matthew Banda.

Then Banda tried walking down the straight line on the mat, and failed badly. "Why does it bend?" he asked.

Moses Lake High School students also were invited to take a turn driving the go-kart owned by the Moses Lake Police Department, which is like any other go-kart most of the time. But it's set up so that it gives the driver and passenger the experience of being out of control, not much different from driving drunk.

Kris Vincent did fine the first lap when he was in control, but the second lap he drove straight off the course and over an adjoining sidewalk. Andrew Glass and other drivers sideswiped the traffic cones, or ran over them outright.

A Family Night was held this week at Moses Lake High School, designed to teach kids and their parents about the effects of intoxicants and the consequences of driving while under their influence.

Some parents think the answer to the problem of substance use and driving is to host the party at their house. But "you're a parent, not their friend," Moses Lake Police Officer Paul Ouimette said.

Ouimette laid out what happens when the cops find out about the party. Officers surround the location to ensure no one runs away, he said. Typically officers identify people, Ouimette said, then they try to find rides for partygoers 18 to 21 years of age.

For people younger than 18 years of age, officers call their parents, Ouimette said. Juveniles can only be released to their parents or guardians, he said.

The property owners can be liable for civil action, depending on what happens at the party, even if they aren't home, Ouimette said. The property owner also could be subject to criminal penalties, since furnishing alcohol to minors is a gross misdemeanor, Ouimette said.

Anyone older than age 21 who buys alcohol for underage drinkers also can be charged with a gross misdemeanor, he said. "If they (people over 21) are caught doing that, we'll hold them accountable," he said.

Juveniles caught under the influence run the risk of losing their driver's license, Ouimette said, and could face penalties at school, including restrictions on extracurricular activities. Juveniles convicted of underage drinking or using controlled substances can, in some circumstances, qualify for a diversion program operated by Grant County Youth Services, said detention manager Garth Kofoed.

Juveniles who don't qualify for the diversion program will end up in juvenile court, Kofoed said.

Juveniles can be sentenced to detention or community supervision, and will have to perform community service, up to 120 hours, Kofoed said. Fines and fees that are levied when a person is convicted of a crime include money for victim restitution funds, he said.