Underage Alcohol Charges & Penalties in Pennsylvania: What You Need to Know
Almost all of the major American holidays ring in the festivities with a drink and a toast. However, every year, there will be minors whose celebrations turn sour when alcohol mixes with law enforcement.
In Pennsylvania, the penalties for minors with alcohol charges depend on several factors. However, the potential consequences of conviction include significant fines and loss of driving privileges. In this blog, we discuss more about alcohol charges for minors and how the right Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can help.
Penalties and Charges for Minors in PA
There are many crimes related to alcohol that a minor can be charged with. Some of the most common ones include:
- Alcohol possession
- Alcohol consumption
- Alcohol purchase or attempt to purchase
- Fake ID possession or usage
For a first offense, conviction of any of these charges results in a fine of up to $ 500 and a driving restriction of 90 days. Subsequent and secondary offenses can result in fines up to 1000 USD and a driving ban of 1 year. On a third offense, the ban can increase to 2 years. For teens who get charged with DUI, the penalties and fines are similar. However, DUI charges as a minor have far-reaching consequences, particularly for college applications and auto insurance.
Those who don’t own an operating license aren’t allowed to apply for a learner’s permit based on their conviction. Moreover, if the convicted person is under 16, the period of restriction begins on their 16th birthday. This makes the waiting period for a permit much longer than usual. The police also need to notify the minor’s guardian or parents, which, for most teens, might be worse than the penalties and fines.
Fighting underage alcohol possession or DUI charges, you need the help of an experienced Pittsburgh DUI attorney. The effects are long-term, and expert help is important to avoid or minimize the damage.
Defense for Minors with Alcohol Charges in PA
The penalties are harsh for minors in possession. But there are a few options for those charges with these offenses. First-time offenders are often placed in an Adjudication Alternative Program. The minor doesn’t need to plead guilty with this option. They are now required to enter an Alcohol Education Program or do community service. The court will dismiss the charges if the program is completed successfully. The charges also don’t go into the defendant’s record as a consequence. The fines are also waived.
There are other avenues if the offender isn’t a first-timer. Here, the Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can plead to a lesser sentence, which can lead to the retention of driving privileges. A restricted license will be issued in this case. This lets the minor drive to and from work or school but raises the penalties for driving elsewhere.
Every case involving alcohol possession by minors is different. It’s important to get in touch with a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer familiar with the underage drinking laws. Hiring a lawyer who has worked on similar cases is critical for getting the best result possible.If you or anyone you know has been charged with underage alcohol violations, call the Logue Law Group today. We will help you navigate the challenging court system for the best outcome. Contact us at sean@seanloguelaw.com to know more.