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Pittsburgh Criminal Attorney – Pittsburgh Underage Drinking
College is one of the best experiences in everybody’s career. You are finally out of the house and, for the first time, you are managing your own life. Everyone knows the phrase “work hard and play hard.” Unfortunately, sometimes we play a little too hard and end up in over our head, and under the age limit. If you or your child attend the University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University, Carnegie Mellon University, Point Park University, or any of the other institutions of higher learning, there is a chance that you or someone you know will be charged with Pittsburgh Underage Drinking.
I have been charged with Underage Drinking, what are the penalties?
If you have been charged with Underage Drinking in Pittsburgh, or anywhere else in Pennsylvania, you will be facing the following penalties:
- Maximum of 90 days in jail (in most circumstances this is unlikely),
- Fine of up to $500,
- PA license suspension of 90 days, and
- Criminal Record – this offense remains on your Pennsylvania criminal records and cannot be removed for at least 5 years.
Perhaps the most devastating consequence of an Underage Drinking conviction is the resultant criminal record. If you will be entering the job market soon you will want a clean record for background checks. This is especially true for certain professions such as lawyers, doctors, pharmacists, law enforcement, etc. If you plan to attend graduate school such as law school or medical school, the competition can be very tight. Admissions offices may be turned off if they see certain blemishes on your record.
Call (412) 475-9217 or 1-855-DUI-CRIM now to speak with me, Pittsburgh Criminal Attorney Michael V. Worgul, directly.
What is the next step in the process?
The first step is to plead not guilty as soon as possible. You can do this by marking the bottom back of your citation as Not Guilty, signing your name, and mailing it back to the magistrate’s office with the collateral fee (usually $50). If you hire an attorney he can take care of the paperwork for you. Within a week or two you should receive notice from the magistrate of your Underage Drinking hearing and the date on which it will be held.
How soon should I contact an Underage Drinking Lawyer?
Immediately! It is important to consult an experienced Underage Drinking criminal attorney in Pittsburgh for several reasons. The goal is to have your Pennsylvania criminal records (they exist as soon as you are given the citation) erased through expungement. The fastest way to achieve an expungement is dismissal of the charge before a magistrate (this also means no fine and no license suspension). The best criminal attorneys in Pittsburgh will take a proactive approach, prior to your Underage Drinking hearing, to ensure the highest likelihood of dismissal. Following dismissal of the Pittsburgh Underage Drinking citation, expungement proceedings must be initiated to ensure that future employers and graduate level programs do not discover any information surrounding the incident.
What if I lose in front of the magistrate?
Usually, I am able to achieve a dismissal at the first hearing in front of the magistrate. However, sometimes a magistrate decides he/she wants to take a hard line stance on the Underage Drinking citation. In this situation, the Pennsylvania underage drinking charge must be fought through the Courts of Common Pleas. I am a very experienced criminal attorney in Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania, and have successfully defended many Pennsylvania underage drinking charges on appeal. I can do the same for you or your child.
With a focus on thorough preparation, superior client service and dedicated representation, I help families and individuals solve a wide range of DUI and criminal litigation issues.
I will respond to your email submission as promptly as possible. I ask that you consider calling me, Pittsburgh Criminal Attorney Michael V. Worgul, directly at 1-412-475-9217 or toll free at 1-855-DUI-CRIM for a free initial consultation to discuss your case. You will also find out how our practice can be put to work for you.
I look forward to listening to the circumstances of your case and discussing all available options under the law.
Sincerely,
Michael V. Worgul
Michael V. Worgul, Esq., LLC
429 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Toll Free: 1-855-DUI-CRIM
Phone: 412-475-9217
Fax: 412-288-8943 |
