Underage Possession of Alcohol

Pittsburgh Juvenile Crime Lawyer

Although it may seem harsh, anybody under the age of 21 can be charged for even holding a can of beer even though he/she may not have consumed any. Pennsylvania law prohibits underage possession of alcohol. This is a measure adopted to curb the menace of underage drinking. The law is enforced even more strongly around school campuses.

You need to be aware that if you have been caught in possession of alcohol, it is a summary offense and you would need the services of a seasoned Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney like Sean Logue.

Things You Need to Know About Underage Possession of Alcohol in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania if you are less than 21 years of age, you can be charged:

• If you buy or try to buy alcohol
• If you consume alcohol or possess alcohol
• Transport alcohol knowingly

As per the state laws, any beverage—either liquor, malt, or brewed that has 0.5% alcohol content by volume—is barred from people under the age of 21. The consequences of this offense are severe, as you would need to pay steep fines and your license can be suspended. The police also have the right to inform your parents.

Often, minors receive this charge when police are attempting to enforce other ordinances or laws—like noise ordinances—and find the minor(s) drinking. Regardless of whether or not you were drinking when the cops arrived, if you have alcohol in a can or glass in your hand, you can be arrested and charged with underage possession of alcohol.

How Can I Help You?

As a Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney, I have represented numerous youngsters who have been charged with underage possession of alcohol. As a testimony to my credentials, I enjoy 10.0 Avvo rating and belong to the elite list of Pennsylvania Super Attorneys. I would closely study that charges and prepare the strongest possible defense. I shall discredit all the pieces of evidence that have been brought against you and would suggest to you the best course of legal action that protects your rights and interests.

A skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney in Pittsburgh will try to file a motion in order to suppress all the evidence presented by the prosecutor by proving that this evidence has been gathered in violation of your constitutional rights and this will eventually lead to the dismissal of your charges. In the case of underage DUIs, a lawyer can also prove that you were actually above the legal limit while driving, so you can be acquitted. It can also be shown that the driver was not actually intoxicated by showing the inaccuracies of the officer’s observations or misuses of any chemical analysis. And the last resort would be to accept a plea deal. If you plead guilty, the prosecutor can reduce your penalties, too. If you have an efficient Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney fighting your case, there will be higher chances of you acquiring a beneficial plea bargain.

In addition, there are certain exceptions written into the law that exempt minors from possession charges. You will need a Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney who is well-versed in DUI law and minors law to explain how these may work in your case.

Underage Possession of Alcohol charges can have huge consequences, and this charge needs to be fought strongly. At Logue Law Group, I have successfully defended the rights and honor of my clients over the years. I would leave no stone unturned to help you achieve a favorable outcome for the case.

Charges of Underage Possession of Alcohol need to be dealt with strongly. For help and a free consultation, call me at (412) 612-2210, 412-389-0805 or contact me online. The Pittsburgh criminal defense attorneys at Logue Law Group serve the Pittsburgh area, its surrounding counties, West Virginia, and Ohio.

Want More Information About Pennsylvania Law as it Applies to Minors?

Definitions and descriptions of laws for minors can be found in the Pennsylvania Code under Title 18, Chapter 63.