For a student enrolled in a renowned institution like Drexel University, underage drinking can be a serious issue. Not only may a student have to contend with criminal court, but they may also suffer disciplinary proceedings instituted by their university. If you are a student at Drexel University and you were arrested for underage drinking, consult with an experienced Philadelphia underage drinking attorney today.
Criminal defense attorney Lonny Fish understands the difficulty of facing a criminal charge, and he is here for you in your time of need. To ensure every client’s case is thoroughly litigated, we avoid taking a large volume of cases. To schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your case, contact the Law Offices of Lonny Fish at (215) 826-3314.
Pennsylvania Underage Drinking Laws
The legal drinking age in Pennsylvania and across the United States is 21 years of age. There are multiple scenarios where an individual under the age of 21 can be arrested for underage drinking. The consumption of alcohol while underage is a crime, but it is also a crime to commit the following actions:
- Purchasing or attempting to purchase alcohol while underage
- Possessing alcohol while under the age of 21
- Transporting alcoholic beverages while under the age of 21
Underage drinking can also be a serious issue if a minor is discovered behind the wheel of a vehicle while intoxicated. When pursuing cases regarding underage drinking and driving, Pennsylvania has adopted a zero-tolerance policy. Specifically, Pennsylvania has implemented a blood alcohol concentration limit of 0.02% for underage DUI cases. As a result, even the tiniest amount of alcohol could result in an underage individual being charged with DUI.
Additionally, an underage individual should also be aware that they can still be arrested for DUI if they consumed alcohol but remained under the legal limit. For example, if a teenager falls asleep in the driver’s seat of a vehicle after consuming alcohol, they have the ability to drive while intoxicated and could be arrested. This is referred to as constructive possession of a vehicle.
It is also important to note that law enforcement does not have to discover an underaged individual in the act of consuming alcohol to arrest them for underage drinking. Some people may believe that because they consumed the alcohol at a different location than where the arrest occurred, this protects them from an underage drinking offense. However, Pennsylvania has made it clear that even if a teenager consumes alcohol in a separate jurisdiction, they can still be arrested for it in another jurisdiction.
To learn more about the criminal penalties for underage drinking, you should continue reading and speak with an experienced underage drinking attorney today.
Criminal Penalties for Underage Drinking at Drexel University
If you were arrested for underage drinking, the penalties for this offense could vary depending on the circumstances of your case. Generally, Pennsylvania treats underage drinking as a summary offense. A summary offense is the least serious type of crime that is punishable by 90 days in jail and up to $300 in criminal fines. However, if a defendant is a second- or third-time offender, the fines can be increased.
If an underage drinker is found driving under the influence of alcohol, there are a number of penalties that they could face if convicted. For example, in addition to jail time, the defendant would likely have their license revoked and may be required to take driving safety classes.
In some cases, it may be possible to avoid a conviction for underage drinking if a minor is approved for an alternative punishment. Pennsylvania’s Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program (ARD) can be used as an alternative for underage drinkers. As long as the defendant completes the entirety of the program, they would be permitted to avoid jail time and other penalties. However, failure to complete the program could result in the reinstatement of penalties.
Additionally, if a student is facing criminal charges for underage drinking or is convicted of underage drinking, this could affect their academic career. For example, after a disciplinary hearing, an institution like Drexel University may elect to revoke privileges like housing or scholarships. If you are facing disciplinary measures after being arrested for underage drinking, do not hesitate to speak with an experienced lawyer.
Consult with an Experienced Underage Drinking Lawyer for Drexel Students
If you or a family member was arrested for underage drinking while attending Drexel University, contact an experienced Philadelphia underage drinking lawyer for Drexel students. The Liberty Law Team understand the stress of being arrested for a crime, and we are here to help you pursue the desired outcome for your case. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your case, contact the Law Offices of Lonny Fish at (215) 826-3314, or contact us online.