Can I participate in a first-time offender for Underage Drinking?

Centre County Diversionary Programs for Summary Offenses

Many first-time offenders charged with summary, non-traffic offenses—such as Underage Drinking, Public Drunkenness, Possession of a Fake ID, Retail Theft, or Disorderly Conduct—may be eligible for a first-time offender or pre-adjudicative disposition program in Centre County. State College judges often allow students and young adults to participate in these diversionary programs, which provide an opportunity to earn a dismissal of the charge without a conviction.

Typical diversionary program requirements may include:

The exact requirements vary from judge to judge throughout Pennsylvania, and even among the State College judges themselves.

Dismissal vs. Expungement

A dismissal does not mean the records of the case are destroyed.  The case may be moved to “limited access,” which means that the records still exist, but only the police, prosecutors, and judges can see the information. The information is not publicly accessible, meaning employers would not be able to see it. A dismissed charge is immediately eligible for expungement. To clear the record, the individual must file a petition for expungement with the Clerk of Courts. For more information about the expungement process, click here.

Do You Need a Lawyer?

For an experienced criminal defense attorney, diversionary programs and expungements are routine. But for someone unfamiliar with the court system, the process can be confusing. Many people mistakenly believe that a “dismissed” case is automatically erased, when in reality the record remains unless an expungement is filed.

Even more concerning, if a person fails to successfully complete the diversionary program, the judge will enter a conviction. A conviction cannot be expunged for a period of time, and once things go wrong, it may be difficult—or even impossible—to undo the damage.

Hiring a lawyer ensures the process is handled correctly from the start. An attorney can manage the deadlines, paperwork, and court appearances while you focus on your Penn State classes, giving both you and your parents peace of mind.

Many people have no experience in talking to lawyers or determining who to hire.  Here is a list of factors that you should review and consider when hiring an attorney.

Experienced Defense for Penn State Students

For a free case review, contact JD Law by email or leave a message at (814) 689-9139. Email is the preferred method of communication, as phone calls are directed to voicemail due to the high volume of spam and unsolicited calls.