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Skilled Atlantic County Underage Drinking Defense Lawyer

You deserve a second chance. With our help, you’ll not only navigate the legal waters more smoothly but also find a source of support during this challenging time.

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Underage Drinking Defense Lawyer in Atlantic County, NJ

If you or a loved one faces underage drinking charges in Atlantic County, it’s understandable that you feel overwhelmed by the potential consequences. Working with a defense lawyer can help you avoid these harsh results. I am criminal defense attorney Louis Anthony Casadia, and I believe in the power of second chances. I am dedicated to guiding clients toward a fresh start after underage drinking or public intoxication charges.

As a former prosecutor with seven years of courtroom experience, I have an in-depth understanding of both sides of the legal system, including the juvenile court. At my firm, LACE Law, LLC, I serve clients throughout Atlantic County, including Hammonton, as well as Cape May County, Burlington County, and throughout South Jersey.

What Are New Jersey’s Underage Drinking Laws?

New Jersey maintains strict laws prohibiting alcohol consumption by individuals under 21 years of age. Minor in possession charges can result from simply holding alcoholic beverages, while public intoxication charges may follow if a minor appears impaired in public spaces.

Consequences of Underage Drinking Violations

Underage drinking charges carry severe penalties that extend far beyond immediate fines:

  • Fines up to $1,000 and potential jail time for repeat offenses
  • Community service and mandatory alcohol education programs
  • Driver’s license suspension for six months to two years
  • A permanent criminal record appears on background checks

These punishments can create lasting obstacles to achieving your goals and building a prosperous future.

How Can You Defend Against Underage Drinking Charges?

An experienced underage drinking defense lawyer can identify numerous defense strategies:

  • Challenging procedural errors during arrest or investigation
  • Questioning the reliability of evidence or witness testimony
  • Investigating potential misidentification by law enforcement
  • Examining constitutional rights violations during questioning or searches

These defense approaches require thorough investigation and strategic legal representation to protect your rights effectively.

How Convictions Impact Education and Employment

Underage drinking charges can significantly affect your future opportunities. College admissions committees often review criminal records during application processes, potentially affecting acceptance decisions and scholarship eligibility. Many employers conduct background checks that reveal criminal convictions, which may impact job prospects in competitive fields.

The legal process typically begins with arrest and booking, followed by arraignment, where charges are formally presented. Court appearances may include plea negotiations, pretrial motions, and potentially trial proceedings.

Contact Your Atlantic County Defense Attorney

If you need a dedicated underage drinking defense lawyer, contact me today. I am ready to listen to your story, evaluate your case, and fight for your future. Call 609-225-4065 or fill out this online contact form to reach a defender who believes in second chances.