Don’t Take Underage Drinking Charges Lightly

While teenagers and college students may laugh off incidents of underage drinking, law enforcement officials strictly uphold laws related to alcohol at Penn State University and in Centre County. If you have been caught drinking underage or providing alcohol to an underage individual, you need representation with an understanding of how these laws work, because the penalties are harsh.

At the Law Office of Lance T. Marshall in State College, we work to challenge the convictions brought against you, fighting to have the charges thrown out or minimized. Our years of experience working in the criminal system provide us the experience we need to effectively defend against charges of juvenile crimes.

Were you charged with underage drinking? Was it your child? To discuss the details of your situation, please call us today at 814-308-0422. We provide free consultations.

First-Time Charges Of Underage Drinking

If this is a first offense, we recommend participating in a youthful offender program. The program gives you the opportunity to have the matter expunged from your record, and you do not need an attorney to participate. A first offense will often result in a 90-day driver’s license suspension.

If this is not your first offense, you need a lawyer to minimize consequences you face.

What Are The Potential Penalties You Face?

When you are convicted of underage drinking offenses in Pennsylvania, you face criminal and collateral consequences that can impact your life now and well into the future:

• Incarceration of up to 90 days for a first offense and one year for a subsequent offense
• Fines of up to $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for a second offense
• Loss off your driver’s license for 90 days with a first offense and one year for a second offense
• A criminal record with visibility to future employers on background checks
• Negative impact on a student’s position with the university

Should your case involve underage drinking and driving, you are facing a much more difficult and complex case. The legal driving limit for underage individuals is .02 BAC. If you are pulled over and blow higher than that, your underage charges have immediately been compounded by very serious DUI charges.

Don’t Risk Trying To Fight The Charges Yourself

You can fight any underage drinking offense, but you should never attempt to do so on your own. When you face charges as a minor, your parents will be notified in most situations. Do not forego getting help because you think your parents won’t find out.

If you need or want advice from an attorney, we can help. Call our office at 814-308-0422 or send us an email to schedule your free consultation.