Underage Alcohol Charges? Diligent PA Lawyers Fight for Minors
The state of Pennsylvania is cracking down on underage drinking, making the laws stricter than ever before. Fines for first-time offenders range from $300 to $500, while second-time offenders are now fined $1000, which previously was $500. School authorities in campus areas, such as Temple and Penn, are becoming more vigilant about catching underage students drinking alcohol.
If you’re under the drinking age and get caught allegedly drinking, you stand the chance of getting a summary offense charge. A skilled Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can help you avoid expensive fines and possible driver’s license suspension.
Underage Drinking Penalties in PA
The legal age to consume or purchase alcohol in PA is 21. It is illegal for any individual under that age to consume, possess, transport, or purchase brewed, liquor, or malt beverages under PA law. The conviction penalties include mandatory driving privilege loss and fines. These license suspensions and fines increase with every subsequent conviction.
For first-time offenders, the driving privilege is suspended for 90 days. On a second conviction, the suspension increases to a year. Subsequently, for the third time, it increases to 2 years.
Fake IDs and False Identification
False representation of age is also a crime for anyone under 21 years of age, especially when it’s done to purchase alcohol. It’s also a crime to use fake identification to procure or possess alcohol by furnishing wrong details to licensed distributors or dealers. First-time offenders are charged with a summary offense. For a subsequent charge, it’s considered a third-degree misdemeanor.
Manufacturing or selling false ID cards containing false representations of birth date, identity, or age is a second-degree misdemeanor. Anyone under 21 years of age can be charged with a crime if they are found to be possessing or carrying a fake ID. The first violation is considered a summary offense. The second subsequent violation is a third-degree misdemeanor. Both offenses can commonly involve mandatory suspension of a driver’s license.
Convictions for Underage Drinking
Every jurisdiction treats these offenses in its own way. Some counties have established programs that every District Justice Court adheres to. Some Pittsburgh criminal lawyers let the District Magisterial Judge devise and enforce programs that might prevent fines and/or license suspensions. Anyone convicted of underage drinking might qualify for a school/work license and have their records expunged after turning 21.
Underage Drinking Defense
At our firm in the state of Pennsylvania, we believe in defending young individuals against underage drinking penalties. We have a reputation for being aggressive and skilled Pittsburgh criminal lawyers. But we are also known for being understanding and compassionate. When we take your case, we review the evidence and start working with you to build a robust defense.
At Logue Law Group, we know that charges of underage drinking might seem frivolous. However, they can change your or your child’s life forever. Let our skilled Pittsburgh criminal lawyers build a strong defense for you or your child. To speak to an experienced lawyer at our firm, contact us today at sean@seanloguelaw.com.