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Woman fined $35 for letting kids drink
By Christy Gutowski Daily Herald Legal Affairs Writer
Posted July 10, 2003
Some called it sensible parenting. Others, such as the police, weren't so convinced.
A Naperville husband and wife who stirred the public debate appeared in court Wednesday for the first time since being cited for allowing underage drinking in their home.
In a plea deal, Kathleen Connor was fined $35 after she admitted providing alcohol during her son's high school graduation party. Similar charges against her husband, James, were dropped.
The couple, both 52, were cited early June 2 after they called police to ask about city parking regulations. They had sought permission to leave cars parked overnight on the street because, police said, they didn't want their underage party goers drinking and driving. The parents even took the teens' keys to ensure they didn't leave.
Police didn't have a problem with the parked cars, but they crashed the party on the 1300 block of Middleburg Road after learning of the underage alcohol consumption.
Police also cited seven youths, ages 17 to 20, including the Connors' son, Patrick, for underage drinking.
The couple's legal woes became fodder for talk-radio callers and newspaper editorials as parental responsibility was a hot topic in the wake of the Glenbrook North High School hazing scandal. Callers were divided. Police took a much harsher stance.
"They thought they were doing the right thing," Naperville police Sgt. Joel Truemper said after the Connors were cited. "Needless to say, that's not the right thing to do."
DuPage Associate Judge Daniel Guerin presided over the plea deal. The Connors declined comment Wednesday.
Charges against the family were among more than 40 police made in Naperville that weekend - the height of high school graduation season. Another Naperville woman, Madeleine Ward, 54, also was cited on suspicion she allowed 14 minors to drink alcohol during a party at her home. She appears in court later this summer.
By Christy Gutowski Daily Herald Legal Affairs Writer
Posted July 10, 2003
Some called it sensible parenting. Others, such as the police, weren't so convinced.
A Naperville husband and wife who stirred the public debate appeared in court Wednesday for the first time since being cited for allowing underage drinking in their home.
In a plea deal, Kathleen Connor was fined $35 after she admitted providing alcohol during her son's high school graduation party. Similar charges against her husband, James, were dropped.
The couple, both 52, were cited early June 2 after they called police to ask about city parking regulations. They had sought permission to leave cars parked overnight on the street because, police said, they didn't want their underage party goers drinking and driving. The parents even took the teens' keys to ensure they didn't leave.
Police didn't have a problem with the parked cars, but they crashed the party on the 1300 block of Middleburg Road after learning of the underage alcohol consumption.
Police also cited seven youths, ages 17 to 20, including the Connors' son, Patrick, for underage drinking.
The couple's legal woes became fodder for talk-radio callers and newspaper editorials as parental responsibility was a hot topic in the wake of the Glenbrook North High School hazing scandal. Callers were divided. Police took a much harsher stance.
"They thought they were doing the right thing," Naperville police Sgt. Joel Truemper said after the Connors were cited. "Needless to say, that's not the right thing to do."
DuPage Associate Judge Daniel Guerin presided over the plea deal. The Connors declined comment Wednesday.
Charges against the family were among more than 40 police made in Naperville that weekend - the height of high school graduation season. Another Naperville woman, Madeleine Ward, 54, also was cited on suspicion she allowed 14 minors to drink alcohol during a party at her home. She appears in court later this summer.
my 2 cents:
I think there is nothing wrong with this. Number one, the government... even local government... should not be playing parent. I disagree with the 21 drinking age. If 18-21 year olds are responsible enough to drive vehicles, enter into legal contracts, vote, own guns, DIE FOR OUR COUNTRY; then they should be allowed to consume alcohol.
Second, even if the drinking age is 21, I see nothing wrong with allowing parents to provide alcohol at a party... especially a major event like a graduation. Kids are going to drink regardless of laws and what their parents do. And by this party being under the parents' supervision, they can monitor the behavior and perhaps even teach the kids about responsible drinking. And even if the party gets rowdy... at least they aren't DRIVING! The kids just spent 13 years in school... I think they deserve to celebrate... and I think the parents have the right to decide whether or not they can drink alcohol.
I liked your first post. 
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