The article notes that Dr. Rivera believes "if underage drinking is a simpler offense [a misdemeanor] it will become easier for officers to write those tickets. And the kids getting ticketed all the time will bring them to the attention of the justice system, and potentially be screened for treatment that could have significant impact." This article is part of a series, "The Blind Spot: Troubled Teens and the Safety Net."
Read and listen to the story:
"The Blind Spot: No-Man's Land" by Zachariah Hughes and Anne Hillman. KSKA Public Radio 24 Apr 2015.