Public Intoxication: How to Secure Expungement from Such Charges?
Many people visit Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to enjoy their weekends at the casinos. Now, there are days when they get overjoyed after winning, and there are days when gamblers’ luck doesn’t seem to find them!
And on one of these days, these wannabe gamblers fail to enjoy responsibly, and drink more than they can handle. Such cases of public intoxication are taken quite seriously by law enforcement agencies, as they may lead to bigger trouble. Moreover, if you are a student, then your whole academic career is at stake if you are charged with public intoxication.
If the situation sounds relatable, then this blog is for you! Here, we have discussed everything you need to know about public intoxication, and also explored how, as a student, you can get help from a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer and get your record expunged.
How Can A Public Intoxication Charge Affect A Student’s Career?
In Pennsylvania, public intoxication is a summary offense. However, it can still have serious consequences for a student’s academic and professional life. How so?
Well, universities have strict codes of conduct. A criminal charge can lead to disciplinary action. This might mean probation, suspension, or even expulsion from the school/ university.
Added to that, a conviction can also jeopardize financial aid and scholarships for a student. Many scholarships have clauses that require students to maintain a clean record. Without this aid, continuing your education might become impossible.
Apart from that, a public intoxication charge can impact your long-term career prospects. Many professions, especially those requiring professional licenses like law, medicine, or education, conduct thorough background checks. A public intoxication charge is sure to show up on these checks. Eventually, it can be a red flag for potential employers!
This could put you at a significant disadvantage against other candidates. And only an experienced professional, like a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer, can help you remove this burden from your back.
How Can Our Expert Lawyers Help You in the Expungement Process?
Usually, in Pennsylvania, a public intoxication charge is a summary offense and is eligible for expungement five years after the conviction. But that’s only if you remain arrest-free during that time.
Expungement is possible in underage drinking cases when the accused turns 21. Our Pittsburgh criminal lawyer understands these intricacies and can review your case and determine whether you are eligible or not.
Apart from that, we will handle all the paperwork. The expungement process requires extensive petitions and filings. Our expert team of Pittsburgh criminal lawyers will prepare all the necessary documents and make sure everything is filed correctly and on time.
And finally, we will represent you in court. In some cases, a judge may require a hearing. The district attorney might also object to your petition. We will be there to represent you and present a strong argument for your expungement.
At the Logue Law Group, we know how to navigate these hearings and get the best out of them. So, if you find yourself in such a situation, let a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer from our firm fight for your rights and help you achieve a clean slate. Contact us at 844.PITT.DUI for a free consultation.