Pennsylvania has enacted a number of Underage Drinking laws that include underage DUI charges. Title 18 of the Crimes Code contains laws pertaining to minors that are meant to uphold the Commonwealth’s “zero tolerance” for those under the legal drinking age of 21 who persist in drinking alcoholic beverages. According to the statute, it is against the law for anyone under 21 to buy, attempt to buy, transport, possess or consume any liquor, malt or brewed beverages. A violation under this section of the code is a summary offense.
Underage Drinking Penalties in Pennsylvania
While most summary offenses are just fines, the penalties for the above underage violations are more substantial.
A first offense will subject the accused to:
A fine from $0-$300
Up to 90 days in jail, and
License suspension for 90 days.
A second offense can result in:
$0-$500 in fines
Up to 90 days in jail, and
1 year driver’s license suspension.
For 2 or more priors, the accused will face:
$0-$500 in fines
Up to 90 days in jail, and
2 years suspension of driving privileges.
Underage DUI Law
Because underage consumption is prohibited, the law looks for very little in terms of blood-alcohol to prosecute on an underage driving while intoxicated charge. All states have per se blood alcohol levels at which a driver will be presumed to be driving drunk. If the blood alcohol content (BAC) can be shown, it is enough to convict on DUI – per se, and further proof is not necessary.
The good news is that underage DUI prosecution can be fought and successfully defended against. Call or contact Tibbott & Richardson today for an initial and free evaluation of your case. We are well-qualified defense attorneys in Allegheny, Cambria, and surrounding counties with the experience and specific DUI training necessary to help you resolve your legal troubles. We know how important these legal issues are to you, and we also understand they are time sensitive. Contact us at any time and we will respond promptly.
Tibbott & Richardson
1040 Fifth Avenue, Fourth Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
(412) 444-7171
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