Underage Drinking

Pittsburgh Underage Drinking Attorney

Pennsylvania has strict laws in place when it comes to underage drinking. Whether you’re in Pittsburgh or any other part of the state, it’s important to understand the potential consequences. Law enforcement agencies and educational institutions are cracking down on this issue to keep young people safe.

If you’re caught drinking underage, you could face serious penalties. The first offense can result in fines ranging from $300 to $500, while repeat offenses can lead to even steeper fines between $500 and $1,000. Additionally, schools are taking proactive measures to prevent alcohol consumption on their campuses.

It’s important to remember that underage drinking is considered a summary offense. To protect your rights and avoid costly fines or the suspension of your driver’s license, it’s crucial to enlist the help of a top-rated Criminal Defense Attorney in Pittsburgh, such as the experienced professionals at Logue Law Group.

Facts About Underage Drinking in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to:

• Possess or consume alcohol
• Attempt to purchase alcohol
• Transport alcohol intentionally or knowingly

The definition of alcohol, according to the law, includes brewed beverages, malt beverages, liquor, wine, and beer, all with an alcohol content of 0.50 percent or more.

If you are arrested for underage drinking, your parents will be notified by law enforcement authorities. In court, if found guilty, you may face consequences such as temporary loss of your driver’s license, fines, and even possible jail time. Dealing with these matters requires the expertise of a skilled and experienced Pittsburgh Criminal Lawyer.

In Pittsburgh, underage drinking cases are handled in Municipal Courts, while in the surrounding counties, they are heard in Magisterial District Courts.

While first-time offenders will no longer have their driver’s licenses suspended due to recent changes in the law, there are still significant penalties to consider:

• Underage drinking is a summary offense, with a $500 fine for the first offense, which doubles for subsequent offenses.
• A summary offense counts as a criminal conviction and will appear on a person’s permanent record.
• Individuals applying for colleges and jobs may be required to disclose information regarding arrests and convictions.
• Underage drinking convictions are revealed during background checks, as many educational institutions, employers, and professional licensing boards conduct these checks before making decisions.

How Can a Pittsburgh Underage Drinking Lawyer Help?

At the office of Logue Law Group, Sean Logue and his associates are experienced Pittsburgh criminal defense attorneys. They have defended the rights of clients involved in different types of juvenile cases that include everything from drug offenses to underage drinking. They will remain at your side throughout the process, and will commit themselves to getting the evidence against your juvenile thrown out. They will help you figure out the best way to proceed.

If your child’s case is scheduled to be tried in an adult court, your Pittsburgh DUI lawyer will do his or her best to have the case moved to juvenile court. Underage Drinking charges can lead to many consequences in the life of a youngster. The attorneys at Logue Law Group have successfully defended hundreds of clients over the last few years, and have always prepared a strong defense on their behalf. So, do not delay in contacting an experienced Pittsburgh Criminal Lawyer at Logue Law Group.

Do not delay in hiring a Pittsburgh DUI lawyer in the Pittsburgh area. If you wait, it will be more difficult for your child to have a good outcome for their case. Call 844.PITT.DUI or contact us online. Logue Law Group serves Pittsburgh and its surrounding areas, including Ohio and West Virginia.

Want to Learn More About Minors Law in Pennsylvania?

For a definition and description of laws for minors, see the Pennsylvania Code under Title 18, Chapter 63.