While most summary offenses are just fines, the penalties for the above underage violations are more substantial. A first offense will subject the accused to: A fine from $0-$300 Up to 90 days in jail, and License suspension for 90 days. A second offense can result in: $0-$500 in fines Up to 90 days in jail, and 1 year driver’s license suspension. For 2 or more priors, the accused will face: $0-$500 in fines Up to 90 days in jail, and 2 years suspension of driving privileges. Driver’s License suspensions for underage drinking convictions will occur regardless of whether a vehicle was involved or the accused had a valid driver’s license at the time. It is important to know that the charges will be publically available whether or not an arrest occurred. Expunging the record of these charges may be possible with the help of an experienced Ebensburg or Cambria County defense attorney. The best strategy is to avoid a conviction wherever possible. The consequences of a conviction include not only criminal penalties, but also the loss of employment opportunities. Underage drinking charges have impacted higher education opportunities as well. If you or a loved one has been cited with an underage drinking violation, please call the law offices of Tibbott & Richardson today. We are local criminal defense lawyers experienced in defending these cases and can help you beat your charges, and/or get a favorable resolution that least affects your future. For a first offender with no prior criminal history, we may be able to obtain an adjudication alternative program for anyone under 18 years old. For a first-time offender with no major priors who is 18 and over, an alternative rehabilitative disposition, or ARD , is possible. In both instances, if an alternative agreement is granted, all charges will be dismissed and all or most penalties dropped, so long as the participant meets all of the terms of the agreement. Underage DUI Law Because underage consumption is prohibited, the law looks for very little in terms of blood-alcohol to prosecute on an underage driving while intoxicated charge. All states have per se blood alcohol levels at which a driver will be presumed to be driving drunk. If the blood alcohol content (BAC) can be shown, it is enough to convict on DUI – per se, and further proof is not necessary. Tibbott & Richardson 1040 Fifth Avenue, Fourth Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (412) 444-7171 https://www.tibbottrichardson.com/