Caught with a Drink Under 21? Know the Consequences

The state of Pennsylvania is cracking down on underage alcohol possession and drinking. Particularly in campuses like Penn and Temple, where school officials are becoming extremely vigilant about dealing with alcohol violations.

If you go to any of these campuses, getting caught with alcohol, even if it’s an allegation, can lead to a summary offense. A skilled Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can help you avoid possible driving license suspension and costly fines. 

But first, let’s find out what a college campus like Penn is actually doing to deal with alcohol violations.

Understanding Alcohol Violation Off and On Campus

Getting involved with an alleged violation related to alcohol leads to potential sanctions by the University. Additionally, you will be criminally charged by the local authorities. These are distinct and separate processes, and you might need to respond to both. 

Yes, you will need to deal with both the criminal process and the university’s disciplinary processes for the same event. 

The Student Conduct Code Applies Off and On Campus

The student code of conduct is different across universities. But their function remains the same. It applies to behavior that happens off and on campus, including activities within the premises and sponsored activities. By the latter, these are activities sponsored by the university, such as events or functions hosted by official student organizations, and other locations off-campus. Therefore, your behavior ends up affecting the substantial interest and reputation of the university. 

First Violation On or Off Campus

If you’re found responsible or accept a first-time underage possession or consumption violation, you will receive a conduct warning at a minimum. 

In some colleges, like Penn State, you might even be required to attend university-made programs. For instance, Penn State has the Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASIC) program with a $250 fee. Besides this program, you might be placed on conduct probation. Your parents will also receive a letter notifying them about your alcohol violation. Our Pittsburgh criminal lawyers have noted how most students are far afraid of this consequence than a conduct order. 

Off campus, the local magistrate might require you to finish a Youthful Offenders Program (YOP). This is supervised by the court and is considered an alternative to conventional prosecution. Your Pittsburgh criminal lawyer will try to get you into YOP, since a successful completion of this program can result in the charges being dismissed. It can also reduce penalties and eliminate your criminal record, depending on the particular jurisdiction and program. 

How to Avoid Getting an Alcohol Violation On Campus

Despite the repercussions, the universities actually aren’t after every student (of age). While these penalties exist mostly for underage students, it doesn’t mean that of-age students are on their best behavior. So, most universities have a set of guidelines for of-age students.  

• Don’t carry an open alcohol container.
• Don’t attract attention to yourself (for instance, by urinating outside or being loud).
• Don’t visibly drink off or on campus, including tailgate areas. 
• Don’t walk home on your own. Make sure you have a friend with you.

It’s not the end of the world if you get caught with alcohol while underage. However, it’s not behavior we condone. As your university takes care of it internally, you might still be charged by the local authorities and dragged to court. In that case, you need a skilled  Pittsburgh criminal lawyer by your side.

So, get in touch with us at Logue Law Group at sean@seanloguelaw.com now.