What will happen if my son was recently ticketed for underage drinking?
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What will happen if my son was recently ticketed for underage drinking?
The fine is over $200, though the statute suggests less. He proactively did 16 hours of community service (required by his public school to continue doing after school activities). With his court date is coming up and we want to know the following: (1) is there any way to reduce the ticket; (2) what are the ramifications of having this on your record (he’s 17 so is it “expunged” after he turns 18); (3) can college scholarship opportunities can be diminished with this on your record; and (4) what about driver’s license suspension (there’s nothing on it yet but I understand it will happen)?
Asked on May 18, 2013 under Criminal Law, Wisconsin
Answers:
MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
In terms of his record, you need to understand the reporting is as good as the reporter. While this is considered underage drinking, it may not be expunged; it could be sealed but to get an expungement, you would have to work with his counsel to see if the court offers alternative convictions or anything of the sort. In terms of driving record, yes there will likely be a suspension but you need to see if there is a hearing process to either eradicate the suspension or lower it. If the colleges wind up reviewing his criminal record (again FBI or state or both) and this shows up, it could impact his scholarships. Most scholarship opportunities are no tolerance so it is best to head this off before tackling the rest. Work on trying to have this dismissed. It will help a lot.
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