Call Us 24/7: 814-470-8023

Decker Bradburn | Attorneys at Law

814-470-8023

When Your Future Is On The Line, Turn To Us

  1. Home
    2.  » 
  2. College Student Defense
    3.  » Underage Drinking

Protect Your Future When Facing Underage Drinking Charges

Is underage drinking really that big of a deal? The answer is yes. If you are a student at Penn State or another Pennsylvania university, any type of criminal conviction on your record can negatively impact your future.

The effect may not be immediately apparent, but the conviction will show up on background checks run by prospective employers, landlords and other parties. A criminal conviction can also affect your eligibility for many student loans.

At Decker Bradburn, Attorneys at Law, we provide underage drinking defense to individuals throughout Centre County and beyond. In addition, we represent students charged with underage possession of alcohol, public drunkenness, open container violations, public urination, and alcohol-related fights and assaults. Our lawyers also defend adults charged with furnishing alcohol to minors, and both adults and students facing DUI charges.

If you are facing charges related to underage drinking, it is critical that you take swift legal action to avoid future consequences. Call 814-470-8023 now to set up a free, confidential consultation with an experienced college student defense attorney.

Steps To Take After A DUI Arrest For College Students

Being arrested for a DUI can be a scary and confusing experience, especially for college students. The legal consequences can have a significant impact on your future, so it is crucial to act quickly and decisively. The key legal steps to take after a DUI arrest include:

  • Remain calm and avoid making any statements to the police without an attorney present, as anything you say can potentially be used against you.
  • Contact your parents for support. You may need their assistance obtaining legal guidance and in the future, so do not try to hide the situation.
  • Contact an experienced DUI lawyer specializing in college student defense to guide you through the legal process.
  • Follow your lawyer’s advice closely and be prepared to provide all relevant information and documentation related to your arrest.
  • Depending on the circumstances, you may also need to inform your university about the situation, as a DUI charge could impact your student status.

Remember, a DUI is a serious offense, but you can fight for the most favorable outcome with proper legal representation. Our attorneys will explain the potential penalties you may be facing and structure a strong defense strategy.

Penalties For A DUI Charge In Pennsylvania

The punishment for a DUI violation in Pennsylvania varies and is based on the number of offenses and the blood alcohol content (BAC) level in the body at the time of the arrest. As a first-time DUI offender, the penalties will directly rate to your BAC at the time of arrest:

  • BAC .08% – .099%: Minimum $300 fine and 6 months probation
  • BAC .10% – .159%: $500 – $5,000 fine, 2 days – 6 months incarceration, 12-month license suspension
  • BAC .16% or higher: $1,000 – $5,000 fine, 3 days – 6 months incarceration, 12-month license suspension

For DUI penalties for a second offense within 10 years, you can expect the following:

  • BAC .08% – .099%: $300 – $2,500 fine, 5 days – 6 months incarceration, 12-month license suspension
  • BAC .10% – .159%: $750 – $5,000 fine, 30 days – 6 months incarceration, 12-month license suspension
  • BAC .16% or higher: $1,500 – $10,000 fine, 90 days – 5 years incarceration, 18-month license suspension

Beyond fines and jail time, DUI convictions can also lead to community service, alcohol safety school or ignition interlock device (IID) installation in your vehicle.

Promptly And Effectively Resolving The Charge

Our lawyers understand the full range of potential defenses against summary charges like underage drinking. You can rely on us to diligently explore every option on your behalf. Depending on your unique situation and the facts of your case, we may be able to:

  • Prove that you were not actually consuming alcohol, even though others at the party were doing so
  • Question police procedures and determine if law enforcement violated any of your constitutional rights
  • Negotiate with the prosecution for an alternative sentence in lieu of more serious penalties
  • Seek to have the charges dismissed altogether, which is always preferred

Take Legal Action Today

We invite you to call our State College office at 814-470-8023 for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our criminal defense lawyers. You can also reach us online. We are available 24/7 and will work vigorously to protect you and your rights.