Consequences for Underage Drinking in PA

The State of Pennsylvania takes underage drinking very seriously, and this is reflected in the consequences those convicted of the charge face. If your child has been charged with underage drinking, you should not delay seeking professional legal representation. A conviction will show up on their permanent record, which can directly affect their future. A savvy Harrisburg criminal defense attorney with considerable experience successfully handling underage drinking cases at Mette Law is here to help.

The Consequences of Underage Drinking in PA are Steep

There are several charges related to underage drinking that your child could potentially face, and the legal fines and penalties are significant.

Purchase, Consumption, and Transportation

It is against the law for anyone who is under the age of 21 to purchase, attempt to purchase, consume, possess, or transport any alcoholic beverage. A first charge is generally a summary offense, below the level of a misdemeanor, but still a crime that can remain on a minor’s permanent record.

Summary offenses carry fines that increase with subsequent offenses. And jail time is a possibility.

False ID

Anyone who is underage and uses an ID card that falsely identifies them as being at least 21 years old for the purpose of purchasing alcohol also commits a summary offense. The same applies to an underage person who uses someone else’s ID to purchase alcohol. A second false ID offense is charged as a misdemeanor of the third degree.    

Both consumption and false ID convictions result in a 1-year driver’s license suspension. And if the person charged is not yet 18, their parents must be notified.

Social Consequences

When it comes to underage drinking, it is also important to consider the social consequences. A conviction will go on your child’s permanent record, which comes with consequences like the following:

• It could affect their ability to gain acceptance at the college of their choice
• It can also limit their on-campus housing opportunities and their eligibility for private scholarships
• Their ability to land a job could be affected
• Their options in terms of renting a place to live may be limited
• A criminal record can tarnish your child’s overall standing in the community, which can lead to a ripple effect

The impact of an underage drinking charge is more significant than many parents realize. Having a well-respected criminal defense lawyer in your corner can make a big difference in the outcome of your child’s case.

It is Time to Consult with an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer

If your child is facing an underage drinking charge, it is important to know that there are challenging consequences attached. Our resourceful Harrisburg criminal defense attorneys at Mette Law will spare no effort in our quest to resolve your child’s case favorably, in support of their brightest future. For more information about everything we can do to help, please do not delay in contacting us online or calling our firm at 717-232-5000 today.