Which statement correctly describes underage drinking penalties for the first three offenses?

• A. Penalties are the same for all offenses.
• B. First offense carries the highest fine.
• C. Fines escalate: first $100, second $200, third $500.
• D. There are no fines for underage drinking.

Answer: (C)

Penalties for underage drinking are structured to become more serious with each offense. The idea is to deter repeated violations by increasing the consequences each time you’re stopped for this offense. So the described pattern—a smaller fine on the first offense, a larger fine on the second, and an even larger one on the third—best matches how the law escalates penalties. The goal is clear: they’re not the same for all offenses, they’re not highest on the first offense, and there are fines involved, so other choices don’t fit as well.