PITTSBURGH UNDERAGE DRINKING DEFENSE LAWYER

Caught at a party with a beer? Police find alcohol in your vehicle? Or perhaps you were charged with underage drinking for simply being present at a party where alcohol was being served. If so, call the Zuckerman Law Firm LLC today at 412-447-5580 for a free, confidential consultation.

UNDERAGE DRINKING DEFINED

Underage drinking is found under Section 6308 of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code. This statute prohibits those under the age of 21 from consuming, possessing, transporting, buying or attempting to purchase alcoholic beverages. This statute punishes a wide array of conduct, and the police do not need to catch you in the act of drinking to prosecute you under this section. Our firm has represented individuals charged with underage drinking under the following scenarios:

  • A police officer or other witness observes a minor drinking alcohol, or the minor makes a direct admission to having consumed alcohol;

  • Physical characteristics or symptoms lead a police officer to believe a minor has consumed alcohol, even if police don’t catch the minor in the act of drinking. Police may cite to an odor of alcoholic beverage, slurred speech, glassy and bloodshot eyes, impaired balance and coordination, or vomiting;

  • A police officer or other witness observes a minor in possession of an alcoholic beverage, regardless of whether or not it was open or consumed;

  • A minor is present at a party or other social gathering, within close proximity to alcohol, where the officer believes the minor has the power and intent to exercise control over the alcohol. This is referred to as constructive possession of alcohol;

  • A store clerk or restaurant employee observes a minor attempting to purchase alcohol.

PENALTIES FOR UNDERAGE DRINKING

Don't take an underage drinking offense lightly. If you are found guilty of an underage drinking offense, there are many penalties that can apply, including:

  • Although highly unlikely, a summary offense carries a maximum penalty of up to 90 days in jail.

  • Criminal record and/or publicly searchable docket entry that cannot be expunged until you turn 21 years of age. The expungement process takes approximately 6-9 months, start to finish, if done correctly.

  • Impact on job and educational opportunities, including having to reveal details about the incident during the interview process.

  • Fines of up to $500 for the first offense and $1,000 for a second offense, along with court costs ranging from $50-$150.

  • Penalties associated with DUI by a Minor, which can be found here.

ZLF FIGHTS FOR THE DISMISSAL OF YOUR UNDERAGE DRINKING CHARGES

Don't let one mistake turn into two by failing to hire the Zuckerman Law Firm for representation. Our firm works to provide reasonable rates to high school and college students charged with underage drinking offenses.

The Zuckerman Law Firm has obtained favorable resolutions for high school students, along with college students from the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University, California University of Pennsylvania, Penn State University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania and other universities in Western Pennsylvania.

As a former prosecutor of underage drinking offenses, Attorney Dave Zuckerman understands the burden of proof that the police must meet to prove you guilty of an underage drinking offense. He will put his trial and negotiation skills to use on your behalf, to fight for one the following results:

  • Dismissal of your charges.

  • Withdrawal of charges after community service and alcohol classes.

  • Plea to a local borough ordinance, leaving you with no conviction on your State Police Criminal Background Check.

  • Filing Summary Appeal for any wrong decision made by a Magisterial District Justice.

  • Not Guilty Verdict.

Don't wait. Call us today - 412-447-5580. 

TYPES OF UNDERAGE ALCOHOL OFFENSES

The Zuckerman Law Firm has represented hundreds of minors on non-traffic offenses in Magisterial District Courts throughout Western Pennsylvania. For a consultation, please call the Zuckerman Law Firm at 412-447-5580.