Facing Underage Drinking or Public Drunkenness in West Chester
Getting charged with underage drinking or public drunkenness can feel like the end of the world, but it doesn’t have to be. As a criminal defense attorney in West Chester, I represent students through this challenging time and can help you or your student understand what steps to take next.
Is Your Life Over?
Definitely not. While an underage drinking or public drunkenness charge is serious, it doesn’t mean your life is over. Many students have faced similar charges and have gone on to lead successful and fulfilling lives. With the right approach and legal representation, you can address the charges effectively and move forward.
Understanding the Consequences
Being charged with underage drinking or public drunkenness in West Chester can have significant consequences:
- Criminal Record: An underage drinking conviction will appear on your criminal record, potentially affecting future job and education opportunities. A public drunkenness conviction also leaves a mark that can impact your life.
- Disciplinary Proceedings: Many colleges have strict policies regarding alcohol-related offenses. An underage drinking charge could lead to disciplinary action from your school, including probation, suspension, or even expulsion.
- Employment Issues: Employers often conduct background checks, and a criminal record can make it challenging to secure internships, part-time jobs, or future employment opportunities.
Steps to Take After Being Charged
- Stay Calm and Gather Information: Collect all details related to the incident, including the citation, police report, and any witness statements.
- Understand the Charges: Make sure you fully understand the charges and potential penalties.
- Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney: An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal system, build a defense, and work towards minimizing the impact of the charges.
How an Attorney Can Help
Using an attorney is crucial to put yourself in the best position to either fight the charges or negotiate the best possible outcome. Here’s how an attorney can help:
- Negotiate Favorable Outcome with the Arresting Officer: An attorney can communicate with the arresting officer to seek a more favorable outcome, such as reduced charges or penalties.
- Address Your Concerns: An attorney can provide clarity on what to expect, address your concerns, and manage expectations throughout the legal process.
- Defend You at Trial: If the case goes to trial, an attorney will defend you, presenting evidence and arguments to challenge the prosecution’s case and seek the best possible outcome.
If you or your college student has been charged with underage drinking or public drunkenness in West Chester, don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance. Contact my office today to schedule a consultation. Together, we can work towards a positive resolution and help you move forward with confidence.
