Final answer:
The penalties for underage possession, consumption, or sale of alcohol or drugs can include juvenile detention, drug education programs, community service, fines, or school suspension. These penalties vary by state but are influenced by the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 and federal and state drug laws.
Step-by-step explanation:
The penalty for possessing, consuming, or selling alcohol or drugs between the ages of 13 and 17 varies by state and local jurisdiction. Generally, minors caught with these substances can face a range of consequences including juvenile detention, mandatory drug education or counseling programs, community service, fines, suspension from school-related activities, or a combination of these penalties. The National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 stipulates that states should have a minimum drinking age of twenty-one. Therefore, underage possession or consumption of alcohol can result in legal actions against the young individual. Concerning drugs, marijuana is a commonly encountered substance, and while some states may have decriminalized or legalized its use, it remains illegal for minors under federal law and in many state laws. Penalties can become more severe if there is intent to distribute or sell illegal substances.