Underage DUI | Pittsburgh DUI Attorney | Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Lawyer

Archive for the ‘Underage DUI’ Category

Amnesty Granted To Underage Drinkers

Friday, April 27th, 2012

As human beings we all know that we are very far from perfection. While the idea of perfection varies in many individual’s minds it is very clear that we as just regular people are bound to make mistakes, do things we later regret, and simply have an accident. Of course we will have to deal with various consequences and the punishment that might follow, but in the end we learn from our mistakes and take each and every experience to mind when faced with that of a similar one in the future. Yet, what happens when an individual engages in under age drinking?

Underage drinking is not a new concept by any means not only within the United States, but also worldwide. In the past, the drinking age was lower; yet, it has now risen in order to protect individual’s lives, and their futures. However, either way “kids will be kids” and sooner or later will either be faced with alcohol in the forms of peer pressure, or situational. When individuals are still underage they are still experiencing a lot of change in such a short amount of time. In saying so, do not be surprised if your children change from being completely dedicated to sobriety to experimenting with alcohol here and there.

Many parents and children alike assume that if an underage individual is associated with alcohol they will be punished no matter what the circumstances. However, that is not the case at all. Many states, including Pennsylvania, are beginning to focus not only eradicating underage drinking, but that of the idea, “you should wait to drink till your 21, but if not be responsible.” This is done to help promote the idea that mistakes happen, and if a situation occurs do not be afraid to seek out help.

Past cases show that when alcohol was used and abused by underage individuals that more incidents occurred with an individual suffering from alcohol poisoning, and even death. Today, if an underage individual reports a situation that drinking is occurring illegally in order to save themselves, or their friend from harm they will be granted amnesty. Studies show that when children feel that they will not get in severe trouble for participating in a little trouble, such as drinking, they are more likely to ask for help especially in dangerous and serious health related situations.

Make sure that you talk to your children about drinking and that they understand that it is illegal to partake in when under the age of 21. However, make sure that they know that they can always count on you when ever a problem arises as a result of drinking alcohol, or simply that you are always willing to pick them up in order to avoid driving drunkenly.

When you have been charged with a criminal offense, you want an experienced defense lawyer protecting your rights every step of the way. I am attorney Michael V. Worgul, and from my offices in Pittsburgh, I have dedicated my entire career to criminal defense. Having handled over 1,000 cases, I know what to expect in court and I am not afraid of a challenge. To start your case call 1-855-DUI-CRIM today!

Tags: Pittsburgh DUI Lawyer
Posted in Underage DUI | Comments Off

Buggying While Under The Influence

Monday, April 2nd, 2012

Today, many people think that they have honestly seen it all. Throughout life we have many things that are deemed odd or just plain weird. However, there are always one or two things that people will encounter that they have not before. Usually, when an individual hears that a person was charged with drinking and driving they automatically assume without question that it took place in a motor vehicle. Yet, you should not be surprised that individuals actually are not only charged, but also convicted when driving vehicles that are not only not motorized, but also a blast from the past.

Last month, law enforcement officers received a phone call that reported that there was a “buggy party” on a farm that underage drinking was occurring at. Officers responded to the call and proceeded to the property that was actually close to the Pennsylvania border. However, before the police officers could arrive on the scene their police cruiser collided with that of a horse drawn buggy.

4 individuals were not only arrested that evening, which included 3 males and one female, but charged with underage drinking. The buggy with the group of minors aboard was in the midst of changing lanes on a public road when it actually collided with the law enforcement vehicle.

Later, law enforcement officials discovered other buggys that were either abandoned, or sources say they fled the scene. Today, not only the four individuals that were arrested are dealing with their underage drinking charges, but also others that were associated with the actual party that took place. Hopefully in the future individuals will walk away with the fact that drinking and driving not only exists in motor vehicles, but any mode of transportation that there is.

Underage drinking, or drinking under the legal age of consumption set at 21, is illegal in all 50 states. When an individual partakes in not only underage consumption, but contributing to minors they can face a number of charges, which could later as a result be that of driving while under the influence.

Tags: Pittsburgh DUI Lawyer
Posted in DUI, Underage DUI | Comments Off

Underage Drinking, A Serious Problem

Friday, March 16th, 2012

When we hear of an individual drinking and driving we assume that this person is an adult. However, more and more we are beginning to see cases not only of young adults that are barely at the age of 21, but even children under the age of 21 engaging in acts of drinking and driving. They not only are putting themselves and their futures at stake, but also that of all other individuals around them whether it is their friends and family, or simply just other motor vehicle drivers and pedestrians.

College is a known contributor of underage drinking in the United States. When a student moves to college they have a few things on their mind, which ranges from studying to partying in an instant. They move away from the parents that they have lived with for 18 years and now have a new sense of liberation and freedom. However, when these mix with alcohol no one knows what the product will actually be.

Today, studies show that students are more likely to not only participate in underage drinking, but also drink and drive. When you drink and drive you are not only impacting the present at hand, but also your future. When you drink and drive no matter the age you will be charged and convicted. As a result you can face having to pay fines, legal fees, rehabilitative services, and even jail time.

Law enforcement sees this as a rising problem not only in Pennsylvania, but also the United States. Many places have known raised their security in and out of their locations in order to prevent underage drinking, and are even becoming 21 and older locations.

When students participate in underage drinking should know one thing before doing so. Pennsylvania currently has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes down to underage drinking, and especially driving while under the influence. This ultimately impacts how much a student can fight for their rights when drinking and driving.

Underage drinking is illegal, but if participated in make sure to stay off the roads and protect yourself and others by not drinking and driving.

Tags: Pittsburgh DUI Lawyer
Posted in DUI, Underage DUI | Comments Off

Prom and Graduation, What You Should Expect

Tuesday, March 6th, 2012

When you drink and drive you are not only impacting your immediate present, but also your future and the possibilities and potential that could truly be capable. No one truly understands the spectrum of drinking and driving from start to finish. Drivers who drive under the influence of not only alcohol, but also any drug for that matter not only are putting others at risk of an accident, serious injuries, or even death, but ultimately yourself. However, one thing that continues to rise each and every where is that of underage, illegal drinking taking place and more and more individuals feeling the negative consequences of such a thing.

Two things are very coveted in the life of a high school teenager: prom and graduation. These two event not only give students the opportunity to have fun and let loose, but also let go of a past and look forward towards the future. Yet, something that can seem so magical can easily be seen as full of mishaps. Studies and research has shown that as each year progresses more teens are participating in underage drinking at these events, and end up either getting arrested for being a minor in possession, but even a DUI.

This year, law enforcement entities and officers will be demonstrating a no tolerance policy towards any drinking occurring before, during, or after these events. It has been made clear that all across Pennsylvania more DUI checkpoints will be put forth, as well as speed traps and patrols in order to minimize the crime and maximize the safety and fun for all.

Teenagers do not realize what tomorrow truly has to hold for them and today are certainly focused on living in the moment. Yet, with so many transitions occurring so quickly right after such as college, job opportunities, and leaving behind the old and bringing in the new it certainly leaves no room for a DUI charge or conviction. Today, most colleges do not even accept individuals who have any record of such a crime on their record to minimize the likelihood of it occurring on their campus, as well as making their stance on underage drinking clear to all.

Tags: Pittsburgh DUI Attorney
Posted in DUI, Underage DUI | Comments Off

Teen Laws Get Tougher In Pennsylvania

Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012

We all learn in our primary education schools that we all go through a life cycle. From birth to death humans experience many changes physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. With all these different aspects children then turn to adults and are hopefully given the proper tools for success in and out of a work environment. However, where do all of these primary thoughts for a person truly come from? Studies today show that the personality of an individual is defined and set within the first five years of their life. With such a short amount of time meaning so much what is one to do?

As the years progress from a children turning to a pre-teen elements begin to change socially, which finally peak when a child becomes a teenager. Teens over the years go through many hard times trying to find some since of solidarity in a world that is changing so rapidly around them, but one thing is for certain kids from any era all encountered peer pressure. Peer pressure can easily lead good kids to bad things such as drugs and alcohol, which inevitably begin to affect their body and their minds.

However, recently Pennsylvania has adopted a new law titled “Lacey’s Law”, which changes restrictions on drivers under the age of 18. The number of passengers in a vehicle is limited to that between one individual and three individuals at various points in time till a full license is gained. Seat belt laws have become stricter, which states that any driver under the age of 18 will be given a traffic violation for not wearing their safety belt. 65 hours of training with on and off the road education of a motor vehicle is also required for this age group of drivers, which will bring more knowledge of the roadways and the laws within them.

Parents have always placed an importance on the safety of children throughout their growth. However, just because the children think they are adults does not mean they are, or their knowledge of the road and drivers as adults have come to terms with. Laws are made to help, not hurt and with this law now being implemented drivers in Pennsylvania can now see a more educated generation for years to come.

Tags: Pittsburgh DUI Attorney
Posted in Underage DUI | Comments Off

Underage Drinking: Problem, Not Party

Monday, December 26th, 2011

As it goes time continues to be seen as a party of life that brings many things with it: death, birth, understanding, and responsibility. People over time change from children to adults in the world faced with new outlooks of their daily lives as well as are given responsibilities that not only deal with their own lives, but also those of others such as work associates, spouses, and possibly children.

In the years that following high school we go out in the world and our lives change drastically in one aspect: from being under the watchful eyes of our parents to being in dorms or apartments at a college or university setting. Young adults everywhere are said to truly find themselves while they are in college. However, what is it they truly find? In recent times, underage drinking has sky rocketed around the country. At the age in college, life seems to be limitless and invincibility is assumed as easily as the sun will come out.

A result of this can be easily seen on roadways today. Students who participate in underage drinking assume that they are not as drunk as they truly are and decide to get behind the wheel of the vehicle. However, the true degree of invincibility is shown. Accidents have not only increased as a result of underage drinking, but have let parents, friends, and schools with less and less students each year.

Drinking is an aspect of life that many will encounter, which many will have different reactions to. Some will want to drink more, drink less, could be wild, or could be very mellow when drinking. However, drinking changes situations drastically from harmless ones to those that cannot only harm the individual drinking, but many around them. Even outside of an automobile setting people can easily become upset, or even just lose it taking out all their emotions on anything that is within their immediate space.

Overall, drinking will occur one way or another, but hopefully individuals will not only choose to drink at the appropriate age in accordance with the law, but will always exhibit proper safety on and off of the roadways.

Tags: Pittsburgh DUI Attorney
Posted in Underage DUI | Comments Off

Further Concern of Underage Drinking by Pennsylvania Police

Wednesday, October 5th, 2011

Adolescence. It is the time in one’s life that they are very absorbed with how they appear to others by appearance, as well as their attitude to individuals their age. High schools and colleges are usual sources of personal experimentation when kids attempt new things just because a friends, or “everyone else is doing it”. From clothing brands, to music, to even cars, students always use those that they are around to give them opinions about what do say, think, and do. One of the debating issues within this age range, as well as a generational issue is underage drinking.

With parties ranging from alcohol to drugs, many teenagers, and students take part in social consumption of alcoholic beverages, as well face the possibility of interaction with heavy drugs such as cocaine, and marijuana. However, do teenagers really understand the repercussions of not only drinking, but also getting behind the wheel of a vehicle while intoxicated?

When a teenager faces a DUI charge, or conviction many things begin to come into effect as to their future plans, especially when it comes to education and career opportunities. If a teenager is applying to an educational institute such as a college, or university, many colleges today do not accept those individuals with such a mark on their personal record. Many higher education facilities already have a hard enough time with underage drinking at their schools, which would make them try to process why they would want someone who has not only a past with alcohol, but someone who has trouble with the law coming into the mix, and other students at their campus.

Although driving certainly helps pinpoint some of the underage drinkers, another method that is now being used constantly is finding and confiscating any fake identification that a teenager might be using to purchase, or obtain alcohol. In today’s ever changing, fast-beat technological world we live in today, many students have access, especially at colleges, to obtaining either another persons ID that is of age, or manufacturing or paying for the manufacture of a fake ID. Not only does the teenage have the possibility of facing underage drinking charges on top of any crimes that were participated in while intoxicated, but also could face a misdemeanor felony charge for being in possession of such identification.

Overall, teenage, or underage drinking will occur no matter how hard law enforcement entities try to sustain it. However, a thought to consider for underage drinking is not trying to inform students of them not being of age to consume alcohol, but rather if they do drink, which is not supported by anyone above the age, that they practice safety and do not drink and drive, as well as other possible life-threatening practices.

Tags: DUI Attorney in Pittsburgh
Posted in Underage DUI | Comments Off

Experience Pittsburgh DUI Attorney Discusses Pennsylvania Underage DUI—Protecting Your Future

Monday, February 7th, 2011

It is sometimes hard to envision how an underage DUI can impact you years and even decades into the future. Most teenagers have been to high school or college parties where they are faced with the issue of whether or not to drink. You should consider how seriously Pennsylvania takes the issue of underage DUI. The penalties for an underage DUI are far more severe than for an adult charged with DUI as are the long-term adverse affects. The first thought that occurs to many teenagers is that their parents will punish them.

Potential discipline is the least of a young person’s worries when arrested for DUI. Pennsylvania has a virtual no tolerance policy for underage drinking and imposes much more severe penalties on teenagers who violate this no tolerance policy. If you are an underage drinker who is arrested for DUI, you should seek an experienced Pennsylvania DUI attorney immediately. You may hope that the whole incident can go away quietly without your parent’s discovering your mistake. Unfortunately, this is unrealistic, and the delay in getting help from a knowledgeable DUI defense attorney can result in you making mistakes or disclosing information that makes your situation worse.

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and are underage, you are not alone. Approximately, a half million underage teens consume alcohol annually in our state accounting for over 11% of all alcohol sales in Pennsylvania. However, the state has passed particularly draconian laws toward underage drivers who are under the influence of alcohol. A minor who drinks and drives in Pennsylvania with a blood alcohol of .02 percent may receive the same punishment as an adult with a High Impaired Level BAC of .10 to .159 percent, which represents the middle tier of DUI penalties for adults. The potential sentence for a first-offense High Impairment Level DUI in Pennsylvania may include:

Jail time: 2 days to 6 months
License Suspension: Up to 12 months
Fine: $500-5000
Community Service: Up to 150 hours
Drug and Alcohol Treatment/Counseling

A single drink prior to driving can result in your blowing a .02 percent in a breath test, which will expose you to these severe penalties. This conviction may be used as a prior offense and expose you to more severe penalties associated with a second offense if you are charged with DUI again. The DUI also remains part of your criminal record and can affect your student status or admission at a university, professional licensing or admission to professional programs, future career, housing opportunities and more.

All drivers under 21 convicted of a Pennsylvania DUI are subject to an automatic six-month driver’s license suspension, regardless of age. Drivers under 18 who commit a DUI will be punished under Pennsylvania’s Juvenile Act. This punishment may include a term of probation, commitment to an institution and a fine.

Underage drinkers in Pennsylvania may also face charges for underage drinking, possessing or transporting alcohol and even using a fake ID to obtain alcohol.

If you are underage and arrested for DUI in Pennsylvania, you may be afraid to tell anyone, especially your parents, but the most important thing you can do to avoid a DUI conviction and a lifetime of potential consequences is to talk to an experienced Pittsburgh underage DUI lawyer. As an experienced Pennsylvania DUI lawyer, I may be able to help you keep your freedom, a clean record and your driving privileges. We handle DUI cases everyday and are here to help not to judge.

With a focus on thorough preparation, superior client service and dedicated representation, I help families and individuals solve a wide range of DUI and criminal litigation issues.

I will respond to your email submission as promptly as possible. I ask that you consider calling me directly at 1-412-475-9217 or toll free at 1-855-DUI-CRIM for a free initial consultation to discuss your case. You will also find out how our practice can be put to work for you.

I look forward to listening to the circumstances of your case and discussing all available options available under the law.

Sincerely,

Michael V. Worgul

Michael V. Worgul, Esq., LLC
429 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Toll Free: 1-855-DUI-CRIM
Phone: 412-475-9217
Fax: 412-288-8943

Tags: arrested for DUI in Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Underage DUI, Pittsburgh underage DUI lawyer
Posted in Underage DUI | Comments Off

Pittsburgh DUI Lawyer – Underage DUI in Pennsylvania

Tuesday, February 1st, 2011

As I have mentioned in an article on Underage Drinking, offences involving minors and alcohol can have a serious effect on a young person’s liberty and Pennsylvania criminal records. However, if you are an underage minor (under 21), a first time dui in Pennsylvania or Pittsburgh can create a serious hindrance on your social life, economic fortitude, and employment opportunity. Even the best DUI attorney in Pittsburgh knows that when the legislature crafted the laws for DUI in PA, they took a zero tolerance attitude regarding minors and alcohol. The law also treats minors under the age of 18 differently from those between the ages of 18 – 21. Therefore, it is important to have an experienced Pittsburgh DUI Lawyer consult you on the process and procedure of DUI Under Age in Pennsylvania.

As indicated above, the law allows for zero tolerance when it comes to underage minors, alcohol, and motor vehicles. Ask any DUI Lawyer in Pittsburgh or Pennsylvania and they will tell you that there are two separate offences created to deal with such situations:

Underage DUI – Under 75 PA.C.S.A §3802(e), A minor may not (1) drive, operate or be in actual physical control of the movement of a vehicle (2) after imbibing a sufficient amount of alcohol such that the alcohol concentration in the minor’s blood or breath is .02% or higher within two hours after the minor has driven, operated or been in actual physical control of the movement of the vehicle.
Operating With Any Alcohol in System – Under 75 PA.C.S.A. §3718 a minor shall not drive, operate or be in physical control of a motor vehicle while having any alcohol in his system.

Contact Pittsburgh DUI Lawyer Michael V. Worgul at (412) 475-9217 or 1-855-DUI-CRIM for an immediate consultation.

An experienced DUI lawyer in Pennsylvania or Pittsburgh knows that both of these offences can carry difficult license suspensions, especially if they occur during the summer months when most minors work. As a qualified Allegheny County DUI Lawyer I carefully review my client’s cases up front to determine the prospect of winning at trial. If it appears that a plea is more appropriate, and my client is a first time Dui in Pennsylvania offender, I will steer them to the ARD program and a DUI class in Pittsburgh (or elsewhere in Pennsylvania). The major difference in ARD for adults vs. minors is the license suspension. For adults, the length of the suspension varies with the BAC level. On the other hand, Pennsylvania DUI Lawyers know that a minor’s license will be suspended for 90 days regardless of BAC level.

If a person charged with Underage DUI or Operating With Any Alcohol in System is a juvenile (under the age of 18), it is almost certain that the matter will be handled in Juvenile Court. As a PA DUI Lawyer, I know that the advantages to handling an underage alcohol offence in juvenile court are as follows:

A prior adjudication of delinquency or a consent decree from juvenile court on a DUI charge will not disqualify an offender from later being accepted into the ARD program on a subsequent DUI charge.
Having a minor’s DUI case adjudicated in juvenile court shields the minor from the mandatory DUI sentencing provisions for adults.
Where the juvenile court has entered a consent decree on a DUI charge, as opposed to an adjudication of delinquency, the offender only faces a six-month suspension of the operating privilege (as opposed to 12 for adults).
An adjudication of delinquency in Juvenile Court for Operating With Any Alcohol in System does not result in a license suspension where a conviction for an adult will.

In Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania, experienced Lawyers for DUI understand the intricacies of the law and make sure you or your child receive the best possible result. I have significant experience handling DUI matters and I would like to share this experience with you.

With a focus on thorough preparation, superior client service and dedicated representation, I help families and individuals solve a wide range of DUI and criminal litigation issues.

I will respond to your email submission as promptly as possible. I ask that you consider calling me, Pittsburgh DUI Lawyer Michael V. Worgul, directly at 1-412-475-9217 or toll free at 1-855-DUI-CRIM for a free initial consultation to discuss your case. You will also find out how our practice can be put to work for you.

I look forward to listening to the circumstances of your case and discussing all available options under the law.

Sincerely,

Michael V. Worgul

Michael V. Worgul, Esq., LLC
429 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Toll Free: 1-855-DUI-CRIM
Phone: 412-475-9217
Fax: 412-288-8943

Tags: Best DUI Attorney In Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh DUI Lawyer, Underage DUI
Posted in DUI, Underage DUI | Comments Off

Areas of Practice

Search

Categories

Recent Articles

Archives