Underage DUI Charge Results In A Consent Decree for a 17-Year-Old in Beaver, PA

The Beaver criminal defense attorneys at Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC often handle cases involving juveniles so when we were contacted about representing a 17-year-old charged with an underage DUI, our defense team knew how to proceed. Allegedly, the young man was driving in Beaver, PA with some friends when the car began experiencing problems and they pulled to the side of the road. Eventually, the police arrived, but smelled alcohol and administered a chemical test, which was positive. The results indicated the young man had a BAC of .04; however, in Pennsylvania, a minor cannot be above a .02. The young man, with no prior history, was understandably nervous about the possible repercussions, so he contacted Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC for legal assistance.

Attorney Matthew Ness did not want to see the young man’s future permanently affected and began working on his behalf. After noticing some inconsistencies, Matthew Ness filed a motion to suppress the evidence collected by the police based on the fact the officers did not see his client driving; therefore, there was no need for the alcohol test or the subsequent arrest. We leveraged this motion during strategic negotiations with the prosecutors, which resulted in a Juvenile Consent Decree. Under this program, our client didn’t have to admit any wrongdoing but agreed to participate in a diversion program for juveniles, six months of probation, a small fine, and a suspended license for six months. Considering the penalties our client was facing, this was a great outcome that also allows for an expungement of the charges after he completes these stipulations, sparing him any long-term consequences.

The outcome of an individual case depends on a variety of factors unique to that case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any similar or future case.