Pittsburgh Underage Drinking Lawyer
Have you been Arrested for Furnishing Alcohol to Minors?
In Pennsylvania, Furnishing Alcohol to Minors is a serious offense due
to the influx of high schools and
colleges in the downtown Pittsburgh Area. However, the policy concerns behind the crime is worth noting. Essentially,
officials seek to crack down on adults furnishing alcohol to minors in
an effort to prevent the end result of
underage drinking,
DUI or
underage DUI offenses. Thus, arresting officers are highly trained in investigating
and busting underage house parties suspected of having minors consuming
alcohol and not only arresting the juveniles for
underage drinking, but also holding the adultscriminal responsible for furnishing the alcohol to the minors for the parties.
The Offense and Penalties for Furnishing Alcohol to Minors
Section
6310.1 sets forth the requirements for being convicted of furnishing alcohol
to minors. In a nutshell, a person commits the misdemeanor crime of furnishing
if he or sheintentionally or knowingly sells, furnishes or purchases alcohol or any other malt/brewed beverages
for minors.
A minor, for purposes of this crime, is a person under the age of 21 years
of age. Furnishing, for purposes of the statute, means to give, provide
supple or allow minors to possess and or consume on your premises or property
you control.
The Crime requires an intentional element, which means, the government
is required to prove that knew that you were committing the crime. It
is not enough that the government proves that you provided alcohol to
minors by your negligence.
If convicted of furnishing alcohol to minors, the penalty for the first
offense is a mandatory $1000 fine and $2500 for each subsequent violation.
As this penalty is mandatory, the presiding judge has no discretion but
to impose the penalty if you are convicted. These fines are in addition
to any jail sentence the judge may impose.
The Best Defense against Furnishing Charges is Prevention
Be aware of your surroundings and possible questionable situations. If
you plan to be away for the evening or weekend, explain to your underage
children or houseguests in no uncertain terms that they are not to consume
any alcohol or provide an environment where other underage persons may
consume alcohol. Period. No exceptions.
Also, never purchase alcohol for another person or provide transportation
for someone to purchase alcohol unless they are over the age of 21.
Fight Furnishing Charges Aggressively
If you or someone you love are facing charges of furnishing alcohol to
minors in Pittsburgh or Western Pennsylvania,
do not hesitate to contact our office immediately at (412) 315-7441. Do not feel obligated to answer any questions from police or explain
anything to investigating officer before speaking with an attorney. Remain
silent and call our office for aggressive and experienced representation.