With the upcoming concert series and festivities announced at Hershey Giant Stadium, I thought it would be good to discuss some of the common charges people are arrested for at such events.

Underage Drinking

The penalties for underage drinking in Pennsylvania include:

• Up to 90 days in jail
• First offense – 90 day  driver’s license suspension
• Second offense – 1 year suspension
• Third offense – 2 year suspension

Underage DUI

Marijuana

Simple Possession: Even though marijuana is a very common social drug, possession of even a single bag could lead to very serious penalties. 

• Less than 30 grams– Up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine

A marijuana possession conviction may also result in a 6 month license suspension and graduated penalties in terms of loss of license for additional convictions.

Possession with the Intent to Distribute: Selling OR GIVING a drug is a more serious charge than simple possession.  Marijuana PWI is a felony in Pennsylvania.

• Less than 1,000 lbs.- Felony up to five years in jail; $5,000-$25,000 fines. There’s also a loss of driver’s license.

Synthetic Marijuana and Bath Salts

Simple Possession: Up to one year in prison and up to $2500 in fines for a first offense. If it is a subsequent offense then it is up to 3 years in prison with up to $25,000 in fines.

Possession with the Intent to Distribute: an ungraded felony with a maximum sentence of up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.

Because of the DEA’s ban on bath salts and synthetic marijuana, violations may also be charged as federal crimes.

Public Intoxication

Public intoxication is a summary offense which can result in jail time, fines and community service.

What You Should Do if Charged

If you are charged for a DUI, underage drinking or drug charge, you should seek professional advice on your case.  The McShane Firm specializes in DUI and criminal cases and has the knowledge and experience needed to fight your case.  Call 1-866-MCSHANE for a free consultation.

Justin McShane

PA DUI attorney Justin J. McShane is the President/CEO of The McShane Firm, LLC - Pennsylvania's top criminal law and DUI law firm. He is the highest rated DUI attorney in PA as rated by Avvo.com. Justin McShane is a double Board certified attorney. He is the first and so far the only Pennsylvania attorney to achieve American Bar Association recognized board certification in DUI defense from the National College for DUI Defense, Inc. He is also a Board Certified Criminal Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, a Pennsylvania Supreme Court Approved Agency.