Although underage drinking is relatively common in Pennsylvania and across the country, few young people believe they'll suffer any negative consequences for it. Because "everybody does it," many college students assume it won't catch up to them. But it only takes one mistake or misjudgment to affect not only your life, but those of your friends and family.

A perfect example is the case of a 19-year-old man from Horsham, Pennsylvania, who chose to drive four friends home from a party in August. According to court records, his car was going about 100 mph when it left the road and crashed into two trees, killing two of his friends and injuring the other two. Police said his blood-alcohol content was five times over the legal limit for drivers under 21, which is .02 percent. Police allegedly found an open bottle of spiced rum, and another open bottle of apple and pear brandy.

The man allegedly told police that he'd only been driving 45 to 50 mph, and didn't know where the bottle of rum came from. Court records say he originally lied about where he'd been, giving a fictitious name of a friend, and that he didn't know the names of any of his passengers. They'd simply jumped in his car and demanded a ride, he allegedly said. Police said they smelled alcohol on his breath and that he seemed intoxicated.

When police start asking questions in a situation like this, it can be very tempting to lie about what happened, especially if you have been drinking and are nervous about what might happen if you tell the truth. Most officers are determined to get the true story, however, and these lies can backfire in court. In this case, the driver faces a charge of unsworn falsification to authorities, along with homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence of alcohol, homicide by vehicle, DUI, recklessly endangering other persons, reckless driving, careless driving and speeding. He has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges. If he's convicted, he could face a mandatory six years in prison for the two counts of homicide by vehicle while DUI.

Underage drinking can spiral out of control quickly, as this case demonstrates. Even if the circumstances seem less serious than this driver's situation, the future consequences can have a lasting impact if you choose not to take them seriously or lie to authorities in an effort to cover up an offense. A better choice would be to contact an attorney experienced in such cases who can do the talking for you.

Source: Montgomery Media, "Horsham man charged with double DUI fatality pleads not guilty," Carl Hessler Jr., Nov. 29, 2011