Criminal Defense Lawyer in Georgetown, Delaware
The beaches of Delaware offer ample opportunities for fun and entertainment — and ample opportunities for trouble. At the Law Office of Ronald D. Phillips Jr. P. A. in Georgetown, I provide skilled legal representation for a wide range of criminal offenses, including underage drunk driving, consumption and possession.
Contact me today for a free consultation.
Keeping Your Child Out of the Criminal Justice System
One of the problems with the justice system is that it tends to treat all people alike, rather than considering a child's individual circumstances. It often offers harsh penalties for relatively minor offenses. For example, if your child commits a technical violation of probation while going through a state counseling program, he or she can end up back before a judge and face severe consequences.
As your child's lawyer, I will work diligently to prevent allegations of underage drunk driving or underage consumption from turning into a conviction or an adjudication of juvenile delinquency. I bring a realistic approach to criminal defense representation — I work to reach the best resolution while minimizing the long-term consequences of the charges.
Understanding the Consequences
For a first-time offender, the consequences for underage drinking or underage drunk driving include license suspension and extensive fines. However, these criminal consequences may seem relatively minor when compared to the full spectrum of consequences.
These days, colleges and employers are routinely examining criminal records when making admissions and hiring decisions. A criminal conviction may adversely affect a child's future opportunities well beyond the length of the sentence.
Additionally, alcohol offenses come with enhanced penalties for multiple convictions. Many kids are caught drinking underage when they come down to Delaware for beach week, right before they head off to college.
Often times, those accused of underage drunk driving or underage drinking at 17 or 18 will continue to drink before they reach 21, running the risk of these enhanced penalties. As a criminal defense lawyer, I work to reduce the impact of any future charges by avoiding an initial conviction.
Attorney Consultation
If you have a child who has been accused of underage drinking or DUI/DWI, I would like to meet with you and your child in person to discuss your case. To schedule a free initial consultation at my office in Georgetown, please call 866-383-8682 or contact me through email.
