A Palm Beach Gardens alcohol-related offense means immense potential consequences. Not only can you find yourself facing the usual penalties for underage drinking, but you can also end up with serious academic consequences due to your campus’s policies around alcohol consumption. Working closely with a criminal defense Lawyer at Leifert & Leifert can help you mount the best possible defense as you fight to protect your academic future.
Consequences for Underage Drinking
Underage drinking can carry substantial penalties, including:
- Jail time, including up to 60 days in jail for a first underage drinking offense and up to a year in jail for future convictions
- Up to six months of probation for a first offense, and up to a year of probation for further offenses
- Fines
In addition, underage drinking offenses involving alcohol in Palm Beach Gardens can lead to license loss, which can make it difficult for students to go to and from work or campus.
Campus Penalties for Underage Drinking
If you are caught drinking underage, you can face serious trouble with your college or university. Some universities even have honor codes that will punish students who drink underage when they are off campus. You may find yourself dealing with:
- Temporary suspension from school, which can interfere with your grades for the semester or make it difficult for you to get back on track with your classes
- Academic probation, which often means that any further violations of the campus policy could result in expulsion from school
- Expulsion, which not only interferes with your current college progression, but could also prevent you from getting into other colleges and universities in the future
Campus alcohol-related offenses in Palm Beach Gardens can stick with you for a long time, interfering with your education and, in some cases, preventing you from entering your chosen profession.
Defenses for Campus Alcohol-Related Offenses
If you do end up being charged with an alcohol-related offense on campus in Palm Beach Gardens, mounting the proper defense is key. At Leifert & Leifert, we will study your case carefully and help you choose the right defense for your situation. Common defenses include:
- Illegal search and seizure, including cases in which alcohol was located on your person illegally or you did not consent to having your blood alcohol level tested
- Improper evidence chain
- Lack of knowledge of alcohol consumption, including consuming mixed drinks without your knowledge
- Mistaken identity
- Lack of evidence to establish that you were drinking underage or on campus
In addition to common defenses that can help you argue your case, at Leifert & Leifert, we will help you negotiate potential penalties. Not only do we negotiate with the police if you were charged with underage drinking, but we also help students mount a defense with their schools to protect against unnecessary academic consequences.
Contact a Lawyer to Defend Against Palm Beach Gardens Campus Alcohol-Related Offenses
Whether you were convicted of drinking underage off campus or find yourself facing charges due to alcohol possession on campus, having a Lawyer on your side is critical to protecting your freedoms and academic future. At Leifert & Leifert, we understand all the challenges students can face due to Palm Beach Gardens campus alcohol-related offenses, and we strive to help you avoid potential penalties. Contact us today to learn more.
