Experts warn of liability for those hosting New Year's Eve parties

TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) - If you're hosting a New Year's Eve party, you could end up with a legal hangover if someone drives home after having one drink too many.

According to Arizona law, you can be held liable for a drunk driving accident if the person at fault is underage and had drinks at a party in your home.

Penalties can range from fines to imprisonment.

Tucson resident Teresa Guerrero decided not to host a New Year's Eve party this year.

"My daughter's friend, matter of fact, was drunk and smashed into someone on the freeway. It's bad. It's a horrible consequence," Guerrero said.

She said she's too nervous about what could potentially happen when her guests leave.

"I'd rather go out and maybe take a cab home or Uber rather than worry about that sort of consequence," Guerrero said.

Tucson Attorney Elliot Glicksman, is a certified specialist in wrongful death and personal injury cases.

He said if you are hosting a party, you need to think twice about how much you're serving, no matter the age of your guests.

"You've got to stop them from driving because whether you're criminally liable or not – you're morally responsible when you give someone alcohol and let them drive impaired," Glicksman said.

The best way to avoid any consequences coming back to you as the host, is to plan ahead.

You may want to have taxi services or an Uber ready and waiting at the end of the party.

For a list of transportation options on New Year's Eve, click here: How to avoid ringing in new year with DUI