Scranton Underage DUI Lawyer
Facing Under 21 Drunk Driving Charges in PA?
The consumption of alcohol by any individual under the age of 21 is always illegal with no exceptions. Underage drivers, while make up less than 10 percent of all licensed drivers, account for an estimated 12 percent of DUI related fatalities in the state of Pennsylvania. Because of this, the laws and penalties pertaining to underage DUIs are harsher than for those who are of legal drinking age.
If you’ve been arrested for an underage DUI in Lackawanna County, you should not hesitate to contact the Law Offices of William D. Thompson. Attorney Thompson is considered a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by The National Trial Lawyers was recognized for his client satisfaction for two consecutive years by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys.
We’re available to help 24/7. Call the Law Offices of William D. Thompson at (570) 666-1068 to discuss your legal options.
Penalties for Underage DUI in Pennsylvania
If a chemical test confirms that an individual under the age of 21 has a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .02% or higher, he or she can be arrested and charged for an underage DUI. For adults who are at least 21 years of age, the legal limit is .08 percent.
If convicted of a first underage DUI, penalties can include:
- Up to 90 days in jail
- $500 in fines
- 12 month license suspension if BAC is above .10%
If convicted of a second underage DUI, penalties can include
- Up to 6 months in jail
- $2,500 in fines
- 1 year license suspension
Other Charges Underage Drivers Could Face
In addition to underage DUI, the person in question may also be charged with other alcohol-related crimes including minor in possession and possession of false identification if a fake ID was used.
The following are the most common alcohol-related offenses minors and young adults face in Pennsylvania:
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Underage consumption and possession of alcohol – Also known as “underage drinking,” it is against the law for someone under 21 years old to possess, purchase, consume, or transport alcohol. A conviction of underage drinking is punishable by a maximum fine of $500 and driver’s license suspension for at least 90 days. A second offense carries a fine of up to $1,000 and one-year license suspension period, while a third offense leads to a two-year suspension.
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Using a fake ID – A conviction for possession of a fake ID in Pennsylvania carries a maximum jail term of 90 days, a fine of up to $300, and driver’s license suspension of up to 90 days. Presenting a fake ID to an officer is third-degree misdemeanor, punishable by a jail sentence of up to one year and a maximum $2,500 fine.
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Furnishing alcohol to minors – Supplying alcohol to a minor by either purchasing for, selling it, or giving it to a minor. A conviction results in a minimum fine of $1,000 for a first offense and a minimum fine of $2,000 for a subsequent offense. Keep in mind, you could face separate furnishing charges for each minor you provide alcohol to.
Let Us Defend Your Future
At our firm, it is our primary mission and goal to aggressively defend and protect the rights of those who have been arrested, accused, or charged with a crime. Facing the legal system can be a daunting task, but you don’t have to do it alone with our legal time on your side.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our Scranton DUI attorney.