Know the law: tobacco

It is illegal for anyone under 18 to possess or try to possess, consume or accept a cigarette or tobacco product. Tobacco products include cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, snuff and chewing tobacco.

It is also illegal for a minor to lie about his or her age to obtain tobacco. It is a Class C misdemeanor to sell or give any tobacco product to someone under 18. So if you share a cigarette with a friend who is not 18, you have broken the law.

A teen may handle tobacco products in the presence of an employer as part of the youth's job, but you must follow the law and verify the age of anyone under 21 who is attempting to buy tobacco products or you can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor.

The punishment for a minor who violates the tobacco law is a fine of up to $250. Tobacco offenses may also result in your driver's license being delayed if you don't have it, or suspended if you do. Additionally, a student may face disciplinary proceedings if he or she is found to have tobacco products at school.

By law, schools are tobacco-free. Even adults cannot use tobacco on school grounds. A student who violates tobacco laws on campus may be suspended or disciplined, depending on the school's code of conduct, in addition to appearing before a judge.

Court procedures work differently for a minor who is charged with possession of tobacco. For a first offense, an offender must receive a suspended sentence and must attend a tobacco awareness program. This allows a minor to learn about the consequences of using tobacco. If a minor lives in an area where a tobacco awareness program is unavailable, he or she must perform eight to 12 hours of tobacco-related community service.

According to Parents - TheAntiDrug.com, smoking cigarettes and marijuana are closely related. Research shows that youth who smoke cigarettes are fourteen times more likely to try marijuana than those who don't.

TheAntiDrug.com serves as a drug prevention information center and supportive community for parents to interact and learn from each other.

Upon completion of the awareness class or community service, a minor must go back before the judge for sentencing. If the minor has successfully completed the awareness program and has no other tobacco-related convictions, the judge can dismiss the charge. However, if the minor has prior convictions for a tobacco-related offense, the judge can require him or her to pay the entire $250 fine.

Are you a good friend? Prove it. Protect yourself and your friends. Don't let your friends use alcohol, tobacco or any drugs.