Police officers interact with a person near a patrol car, illuminated by blue and red lights in a nighttime urban setting

When Your Future Is On The Line, Turn To Us

Underage Drinking Defense Lawyers for Penn State Students

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 appear on background checks conducted by prospective employers, landlords, and other parties. A criminal conviction can also affect your eligibility for many student loans.

At Decker & Bradburn, we provide defense against underage drinking 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 814-308-8895 now to schedule a complimentary, 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:

Remember, a DUI is a serious offense, but you can fight for the most favorable outcome with the help of proper legal representation. Our attorneys will explain the potential penalties and advise you on what you need to know about underage drinking.

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 be directly related to your BAC at the time of arrest:

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

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:

FAQs About Underage Drinking for College Students

Being charged with underage drinking as a college student can have serious consequences for your future. You may have a lot of questions about the severity of a criminal conviction and what you can do to defend yourself. At Decker & Bradburn, our attorneys want to help you get the answers you need. Here are some answers to some frequently asked questions:

What is the Difference Between an Open Container Violation and Underage drinking?

In Pennsylvania, open container violations and underage drinking violations are two distinctly separate offenses.

According to 75 Pa.C.S. § 3809, it is illegal to consume or possess – even as a passenger – an open container of alcohol in a vehicle on a public road, whether that vehicle is parked or moving. Open container violations can apply to anyone of any age.

According to 18 Pa.C.S. § 6308, it is illegal for anybody under 21 years of age to possess, purchase (or try to purchase), transport, or consume alcohol in any form, including hard cider or malt beverages. Both charges can result in significant fines, community service, and other penalties.

I Was Caught with a Fake ID. What are the Penalties?

The use of fake IDs may have once been treated as a “rite of passage” by many businesses, but those days are gone. These days, businesses are eager to enforce the law and will likely turn an offender over to the police right away.

The exact charges you can face may depend on the situation. If you tried to use someone else’s real ID, you could be charged with property theft and identity theft. Using a fake ID can result in a fine of $300, up to 90 days in jail, and the loss of your driver’s license for 90 days, for a first offense. You may also be required to perform community service or attend a counseling program. This is on top of any charges related to the attempt to purchase alcohol.

What is a Minor in Possession (MIP) Charge?

A MIP charge is an offense related to anyone under 21 who is caught purchasing, possessing, transporting or consuming alcohol. You can face a fine of up to $500 for a first offense, along with the loss of your driver’s license for 90 days.

We invite you to call our State College office at 814-308-8895 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.