Actions have consequences.

Lehighton Area High School seniors were made aware of this during a Stepping Out program held in the school cafeteria Thursday morning.

Carbon County District Attorney Michael Greek and Assistant District Attorney Cynthia Hatton spoke to the graduating students who will soon step out into the world as adults.

Greek said that along with becoming an adult, there are a great number of legal implications that go along with that status.

He said the program is designed to provide an overview of how being an adult has legal consequences for their actions and inactions.

“Once you turn 18, you’re an adult,” Greek said. “Things that you do, or things that you don’t do have legal implications.”

Greek told the students that once they turn 18, they are treated as an adult.

“What you do as an adult is permanent,” he said. “It’s on your record forever.”

Greek imparted on the students that the choices they make can have a significant impact.

“Be careful with the things you do and choose to do,” he said.

Hatton encouraged the students to start saving money once they get a job.

“Stash it away,” Hatton said. “You never know when you are going to need that slush fund.”

Among the topics Greek and Hatton touched upon pertained to car insurance, power of attorney, taxes, mortgage, the issue of suing, DUI and medical marijuana.

Greek told the students that once they turn 18, they have to register for selective service in case there is a draft.

Hatton also shared pointers on how the students should handle themselves in the event they ever get stopped by a police officer while driving.

“If any of you are pulled over by an officer, please do not fight with the officer,” she said. “If you’re pulled over and you have any interaction with police, do not fight with them.”

Greek reiterated Hatton’s assertion.

“They are guys out there doing their jobs; they’re good people,” he said. “Don’t give them a hard time; deal with it later.”

Greek imparted upon the students that they need to make informed decisions once they turn 18.

Hatton reminded the students that anyone who has a child is responsible for that child until they reach 18.

“You have to be careful with your choices, because some of those choices can have consequences,” she said.

Greek added that it’s important to “treat people with respect.”

Hatton cautioned students to be careful of their actions on social media.

“When you go out to get a job, they will go onto social media to see,” she said. “You always have to be careful with what future conduct is going to come out of your current conduct.”

Throughout the presentation, Greek and Hatton responded to several questions posed by students.