Pennsylvania Underage DUI & Underage Drinking
So you're under 21 and you've been caught drinking. You're scared. Scared of the consequences, scared of your parents, scared of being kicked out of school - or going jail. Underage DUI and underage drinking penalties in Pennsylvania are no joke. All alcohol cases involving minors are tried at the state's "High Rate" tier - even if you've only had one beer. It's enough to scare anyone senseless.
Well, you're not alone. Every year, almost half a million underage people are caught drinking in the state of Pennsylvania. And they're all just as scared and worried as you.
That's where we can help. The expert DUI lawyers of The McShane Firm know how confused you are and can help fight your case. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week to answer all of your underage DUI and underage drinking questions. Questions like:
- Do I have to tell my parents?
- That's your choice. If you are between the ages of 18 to 21, we have no legal obligation to inform your parents about your case. However, if you are under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign our contract for you. In either case, everything you tell us is held under the strictest of confidence as part of the attorney-client privilege. So don't worry - we won't rat you out. Your secret is safe with us. We're here to help you get out of trouble, not lecture you.
- How much will all this cost?
- In Pennsylvania, all underage drinking cases (unless you refused the breathalyzer or blew higher than a .160) are tried at the "High Rate" tier - meaning your fines could be as high as $5,000. Add that to the cost of mandatory traffic school, plus increased insurance rates, and the cost of a DUI lawyer to help you avoid all that suddenly becomes reasonable. The McShane Firm accepts all major credit cards, online payments, and can even set up time payments in some cases. Give us a call for your free initial DUI consultation and we'll work it out.
- Will I lose my driver's license?
- Possibly. If convicted of Underage DUI in Pennsylvania, you could lose your license for up to a year. That's a full year without the freedom of being able to drive yourself wherever you want. Don't lose the privilege you worked so hard to get. Call us at The McShane Firm and let us help you keep your license - and your independence.
- Will I have to go to traffic school?
- Only if convicted. All Pennsylvania DUI convictions bring with them mandatory traffic school - evening and weekend classes you have to pay for out of your own pocket. Let The McShane Firm fight your case and keep you from spending more time in a classroom than you probably already are.
- Will I have to serve jail time?
- If convicted - maybe. Regardless of how much you had to drink, the "High Rate" tier of underage drinking cases means you could serve time in an adult jail. Don't risk it - put the expert lawyers of The McShane Firm to work fighting your freedom. We don't give up.
Why You Need The Best
Remember when your elementary teacher threatened you with, "This will go on your Permanent Record?" Underage DUI and underage drinking convictions in Pennsylvania are the same way: they don't go away. An Underage DUI conviction will follow you for the rest of your life, complicating insurance coverage, job applications, and creating a host of other issues in your adult life. You're just starting down the path of adulthood. Don't let one little mistake haunt you for years to come. Put the expert lawyers of The McShane Firm to work on your case. We promise to fight aggressively for your case, your rights, and your future.
This article is for informational purposes only. It neither constitutes nor implies an official legal opinion on behalf of The McShane Firm, LLC, nor any attorney-client relationship of any kind. The McShane Firm strongly urges seeking professional counsel before acting upon any information contained herein. Contact us today for your free initial consultation.
Testimonials
Justin is fast becoming known nationally as a top DUI defender. He is gaining this reputation by sharing his knowledge and his access to scientific works with other lawyers, thereby demonstrating his commitment both to the profession as well as to his clients. Justin has an excellent understanding of the law and science involved in drunk driving defense, and he will do everything possible to win his client’s case. If Justin agrees to take your case then you can rest assured that he will leave nothing to chance, and will do everything to maximize your chances of winning. I highly recommend him.
- Attorney Patrick Barone, Birmingham MI
I recently consulted Justin on a scientific matter that had arisen in a white collar criminal case in federal court in Houston. All I can say is that I was more than impressed with the breadth of his knowledge and his evident dedication to the profession. He is exactly the kind of lawyer I would retain if I needed representation.
- Attorney Jon May (Miami, FL)
I felt that from the beginning Shawn and his staff truly cared. Shawn assured me he would fight for me and I believed him. I have decided to move forward with the fight, and wouldn’t want any other attorney.
- ML - Harrisburg
Click here for What Everyone Should Know about DUI
Click here for the Top 10 DUI mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Click here for the Top 10 things NOT to do if you're arrested
Your DUI Attorney Choice By the Numbers
- Number of attorneys in the world
- 1,600,000
- Of those, the number of attorneys in the US
- 1,250,000
- Of those, the number of attorneys in Pennsylvania
- 43,000
- Of those, members of the National Association Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)
- 204
- Of those, members of the Pennsylvania Association Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL)
- 101
- Of those, members of National College for DUI Defense
- 13
(of which we are 4) - Of those, who received training as Instructors in Standard Field Sobriety Testing as recognized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- 5
(of which we are 4) - Of those, who are a Certified Breath Alcohol Test Technician as recognized by the Department of Transportation
- 5
(of which we are 4) - Of those, who received training in Drugs that Impair Driving (Drug Recognition Expert training) as recognized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- 5
(of which we are 4) - Of those, who is certified as a Phlebotomist (drawing and analysis of blood samples)
- 2
(of which Attorney McShane is one) - Of those, who is a 2-time graduate and case presenter at the National Forensic Blood and Urine Seminar?
- 1 - Attorney McShane