17 Minors Cited for Underage Drinking at Kenny Chesney Show

In news that should surprise absolutely nobody, there were a flurry of citations written during the much-anticipated (and in some circles, maligned) Kenny Chesney concert in Pittsburgh recently.

As a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer who often handles cases related to so-called “college crimes” just like public drunkenness and underage drinking, I was also unsurprised to hear about the nature of the citations.

This year, 17 minors were cited for underage drinking at tailgate parties taking place at the Kenny Chesney concert in Pittsburgh.

Most of you probably know that the Commonwealth has zero tolerance for underage drinking. The legal blood alcohol limit is less than half that for adults. A minor who has just 0.02% blood alcohol content is considered impaired. So, some of those minors may have not had more than a single beer, and now find themselves facing criminal charges.

Here’s the thing: those kids could have their future plans damaged by these charges. Granted, they weren’t driving at the time. That is a good thing, because it could save their driver’s licenses. But, their colleges and workplaces might give them consequences, if they get wind of the arrests. Future employment could be in jeopardy, as well.

In addition to those citations, Pittsburgh police told WTAE-TV that a total of 10 arrests were also made during the concert – and one summons was written.

And as a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer who also handles a high volume of DUI and other alcohol-related offenses, the number and nature of calls made to police around the time of the concert also surprised me little.

EMS reportedly answered 160 calls – with the majority of them being – you guessed it – related to alcohol.

One of the calls? Apparently, a gentleman threw a chair at a police officer, and ended up getting tased for it.

I get it: Kenny Chesney is a nationally recognized act, and when people get pumped for an event, sometimes they drink a little more than, perhaps, they should. And that leads people to do things that, perhaps, they shouldn’t.

I’m not here to judge; I’m just here to help.

Because while, in the big scheme of things, a public drunkenness or disorderly conduct charge might not change your life in the big ways that more serious charges do, it still will follow up. Those underage kids? If they are looking to go to college or grad school, even a summary offense could mean the difference between being able to work toward your dream, and being told, “no thanks, there are applicants without criminal records.”

Previously, there has been a disproportionate number of traffic deaths in Pennsylvania related to DUI caused by drivers under the age of 21. The Commonwealth has already taken substantial efforts to curb the numbers down by making stringent driving under the influence laws for people under the age of 21, which is the legal drinking age in Pennsylvania.

Standards for blood alcohol content are far stricter for those who are under twenty-one as compared to those who are above that age limit. So, if you have been caught driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.02 percent or higher, you are liable for DUI charges. For those who are above twenty-one years of age, you can be charged with a DUI on having a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher. If you have been charged with a DUI, it is always better to visit a Pittsburgh DUI lawyer.

Underage DUI convictions may lead to suspension of your driver’s license and a substantial period of jail time. However, if you hire a Pittsburgh DUI lawyer, he might help you get rid of such convictions. I guess what I’m saying is: If you’re in a jam, I can help you navigate the court system or help (when possible) get those summary offenses off your record through an expungement.

Call me for a free consultation.

Source: WTAE Pittsburgh