Denville NJ Underage Drinking and DWI Defense Lawyer
Juvenile and Student Defense Attorney in Morris County and Passaic County NJ
Underage drinking is extremely common among young people in New Jersey and the United States as whole. According to the National institute on Drug Abuse, approximately 72% of students have consumed alcohol by the end of high school, and about 37% have done so by eighth grade. In addition, 31% of college students report having had 5 or more drinks in a row in the last two weeks, and 38.4% say they have been drunk in the last month. Although we generally accept that many high school and college-aged people will consume alcohol, the legal drinking age in New Jersey is 21, and the State vigorously prosecutes juveniles and young adults for alcohol-related crimes. In New Jersey, you can be charged criminally for underage drinking, underage possession of alcohol, and underage DWI, as well as providing alcohol to minors. Depending on your age and the nature of the offense, you may be tried in juvenile court or adult criminal court. Regardless, the penalties associated with a conviction for any of these offenses can be severe, spelling long-term implications for your future.
Alissa Hascup is a seasoned former prosecutor-turned defense attorney who utilizes her experience on the other side of the criminal justice system to deliver exceptional results for her clients. Having served as a prosecutor in New Jersey Municipal Courts, she thoroughly understands the nuances of New Jersey DWI and alcohol laws and has in-depth knowledge of how the State prosecutes these cases. With centralized offices conveniently located in Totowa and Denville, Alissa successfully represents juveniles, college students at universities like NJIT, Rutgers, Ramapo, Drew, Morris County College, Passaic County College, and Essex County College, and other young adults in courts across New Jersey. To discuss your case or your child’s case with Ms. Hascup today, contact her offices at 862-257-1200 for a cost-free initial consultation.
Underage Drinking and DWI Charges in New Jersey
Alissa Hascup defends juveniles, students, and other young adults charged with a variety of alcohol-related offenses, including:
- Underage DWI
- Underage Possession or Consumption of Alcohol
- Possession of a Fake ID
- Providing Alcohol to Minors
Legal Limits for Alcohol in New Jersey
In New Jersey, 21 is the legal age to consume alcohol. This means that you can be charged with underage possession or consumption of alcohol (often referred to as underage drinking) if you are found to have any alcohol in your system. In addition, the legal limit for New Jersey is a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08%. If you are found operating a vehicle while over this limit and you are not yet 21, you can be charged with underage DWI. Underage drinking, possession of a fake ID, and providing alcohol to minors are considered criminal offenses in New Jersey, meaning a conviction will appear on your criminal record if you are found guilty. Underage DWI is technically a motor vehicle violation; however, a conviction for underage DWI will result in suspension of your driving privileges if you are 17 or older, or a mandatory delay in you receiving your license if you are under 17.
Juvenile vs. Adult DWI and Drinking Charges in New Jersey
Depending on your age, your case may be adjudicated in the Family Division of the Superior Court in the county in which they live, or in the Municipal Court associated with the town in which the alleged offense occurred. If you are under the age of 18, you are technically a juvenile in New Jersey, which means your case is subject to the standards and procedures of the juvenile justice system. You will appear in Family Court before a Juvenile Judge, who will decide the outcome in your case. On the other hand, if you are 18 or older, you are considered an adult in New Jersey. This means that your case will be heard and decided in Municipal Court and you will be subject to the same penalties as any other adult.
Contact a Denville NJ Underage Drinking Attorney for Help
If you or your child has been charged with underage drinking, underage DWI, possession of a Fake ID, or another alcohol-related crime involving minors in New Jersey, contact Alissa Hascup to discuss your case and learn about the defenses that may be available to you. Alissa regularly appears in Family Court to defend juveniles and Municipal Courts across the state defending young adults. She is available 24/7 to assist you. Simply call 862-257-1200 today to receive your cost-free consultation.
