Underage Drinking in Pittsburgh

It may not seem like a big deal to have a few drinks at a college party. In fact, for many people, enjoying a few beers before a game or toasting with a bottle of sparkling wine is a normal part of the college experience. Unfortunately, drinking alcohol before you are 21 years old is something that the police take quite seriously here in the Pittsburgh area. In fact, being arrested for underage drinking in Pittsburgh can lead to serious consequences.

Not only will your arrest remain on your record permanently, but you will also have to pay a hefty fine, lose your license, or worse. In some cases, you can even end up with an official guilty pleading and a criminal record. This can have a lasting detrimental effect on the rest of your life, especially when it comes to finding a job. Luckily, you can avoid the most serious consequences with the help of a Pittsburgh criminal attorney.

What to Do If You Are Arrested for Underage Drinking

If you are arrested for underage drinking, you need to quickly recognize the seriousness of these charges and take action to prevent making your situation worse. There are three things you should do immediately after being arrested for underage drinking.

• Remember your rights. You have the right to remain silent, so take advantage of it. Don’t incriminate yourself. If there is not enough evidence of your drinking, then your case may be dismissed. This chance disappears if you admit to consuming alcohol.
• Call a Pittsburgh criminal defense lawyer. You also have the right to an attorney. This is to your advantage. An experienced criminal defense attorney will be able to build the best strategy to minimize this arrest’s impact on your future. They will work with law enforcement to potentially get your case dismissed and expunged from your record.
• Explore your options. So long as you take these charges seriously, you may be able to minimize their impact on your future. Work with your attorney to find the best course of action and ensure that you won’t suffer unduly for a youthful mistake.

Always remember that you are innocent until proven guilty, so let an experienced Pittsburgh defense attorney guide you through the process. If you or your child has been arrested for underage drinking, call us at Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC right away at (412) 281-2146 for a free consultation. Find out how we can build the strongest possible defense to get your underage drinking charges reduced or dismissed so you can quickly move on with your life.