These days, it's almost too easy for underage individuals to get their hands on alcohol. And with the large number of colleges and universities in Philadelphia, this demographic's exposure to alcoholic beverages is undoubtedly at an all time high. Law enforcement has cracked down on underage drinking, in hopes of decreasing the rates of underage drinking and the possession of alcohol in the state. As a result, many people have been arrested and cited with these charges, and are forced to live with the ramification of this offense for the rest of their lives.
If you have been cited with underage drinking or any related crime, you should know what you're up against. For the purposes of this article, we will provide a brief overview of (1) underage drinking laws in the state, and (2) the penalties associated with this crime.
Underage Drinking Laws in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, the official term for underage drinking and related offenses is called “minor in possession.” Under this law, a wide range of actions involving underage residents and alcohol are prohibited in the state. It is illegal for individuals under the age of 21 to do the following:
- To intentionally and knowingly transport alcohol
- To possess alcohol
- To consume alcohol
- To buy, or attempt to buy alcohol
In accordance with state law, the method in which underage residents obtain alcohol is also illegal. It dictates that people under the age of 21 who are discovered to have used false identification, portray a dishonest guise, or misrepresent themselves all in an attempt to get alcohol will be cited with this offense. The state also criminalizes allowing underage residents to work in environments and spaces where alcohol is sold.
And in cases when the validity of an alcohol beverage is challenged, the state provides a definition of what technically constitutes one. It states that any liquor, malt or brewed beverage that contains at least .50% or more alcohol by volume will be ruled as an alcoholic beverage. It's safe to say that even drinks containing very small amounts of alcohol like beer and wine could result in the conviction of an underage drinking charge.
Penalties
The state's underage drinking penalties are deemed some of the most severe in the country. A costly fine, a license suspension and potential jail time is at stake for those with underage drinking charges. Here are the general penalties imposed upon defendants convicted of these charges:
First offense
- A maximum jail sentence of 90 days at the Chester County Correctional Facility
- A fine of up to to $500
- License suspension for 90 days
Second offense
- Maximum jail sentence of 90 days
- A fine of up to $1,000
- License suspension for one year
Third offense
- Maximum jail sentence of 90 days
- A fine of up to $1,000
- License suspension for two years
Chester County Criminal Defense Attorney
If your child has been cited with underage drinking charges or a related offense, it is crucial you immediately contact an attorney. An attorney will be able to assess your child's case and provide the most effective way to defend your case. They will also be able to get the sentence you're facing significantly reduced, get your case completely dismissed. Skilled attorney Joseph D. Lento has ample experience successfully representing clients who have acquired these charges, and he can do the same for you. Contact him today for assistance.
