Pittsburgh Attorney for Misrepresentation of Age to Secure Liquor Charges

If you or your child has been cited for misrepresenting age to obtain alcohol in Pittsburgh or Western Pennsylvania, it is important to take the charge seriously. Many students and young adults assume that an alcohol-related summary offense is no big deal. In reality, a conviction can create a criminal record, complicate employment or graduate school applications, and potentially lead to harsher penalties if the person is charged again in the future.

At the Zuckerman Law Firm, our Pittsburgh criminal defense attorneys represent college students, juveniles, and young adults charged with alcohol-related offenses throughout Allegheny County and Western Pennsylvania. Our primary goal is simple: avoid a conviction whenever possible and protect your future.

For a free consultation, call 412-447-5580 or email info@zuckermanfirm.com.

What Is Misrepresentation of Age to Secure Liquor in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, misrepresentation of age to secure liquor or malt or brewed beverages is charged under 18 Pa.C.S. § 6307. A person under the age of 21 can be charged if they knowingly and falsely represent themselves to be 21 years of age or older to a licensed dealer, distributor, or another person for the purpose of obtaining alcohol or having alcohol furnished to them.

This charge may arise in several common situations, including:

  • Trying to buy beer, wine, or liquor while under 21;

  • Telling a bartender, bouncer, cashier, or store employee that you are 21 or older;

  • Using another person’s age or identity to try to obtain alcohol;

  • Attempting to have someone else furnish alcohol based on a false statement about your age;

  • Being cited during a Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement investigation, bar check, campus enforcement detail, or local police investigation.

This offense is closely related to underage drinking and fake ID cases, but contains different elements. A person may be charged with misrepresentation of age even if they are not separately charged with carrying a false identification card.

Is Misrepresentation of Age a Summary Offense or Misdemeanor in PA?

The grading depends on whether the person has prior violations.

First Violation

A first violation of 18 Pa.C.S. § 6307 is graded as a summary offense. Although a summary offense is less serious than a misdemeanor, it is still a criminal charge. A conviction may appear on background checks and may need to be disclosed on certain school, licensing, employment, or professional applications.

Second or Subsequent Violation

A second or subsequent violation is graded as a misdemeanor of the third degree. A third-degree misdemeanor is significantly more serious than a summary offense and may carry a maximum jail sentence of up to one year and a fine of up to $2,500 under Pennsylvania’s general misdemeanor sentencing provisions.

For students and young professionals, this escalation is one of the most important reasons to fight the first charge rather than simply plead guilty and pay a fine.

What Are the Penalties for Misrepresentation of Age to Obtain Alcohol?

Under Section 6307, a person convicted of misrepresentation of age may be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $500 for subsequent violations. The statute also allows a juvenile adjudicated delinquent under this section to be ordered to pay a fine not exceeding $500.

The practical consequences may be more serious than the fine itself. A conviction can create issues with:

  • Criminal background checks;

  • College or university disciplinary proceedings;

  • Internships and employment applications;

  • Professional school applications;

  • Security clearances or positions involving trust;

  • Future alcohol-related charges, including underage drinking or fake ID allegations.

If the case involves a college student, the student may also face separate consequences through the university, including housing discipline, probation, suspension, loss of privileges, or a notation in a school disciplinary file.

Is There a Driver’s License Suspension for Misrepresentation of Age to Secure Liquor?

For Pennsylvania licensed drivers, there is no longer a driver’s license suspension for this type of underage alcohol offense. Act 95 of 2018 repealed the prior license suspension provisions for many underage alcohol-related offenses, including related fake ID and underage drinking matters.

That said, avoiding a conviction still matters. Many attorney websites and older online resources still reference license suspension consequences that are no longer current, but the absence of a license suspension does not mean the charge should be ignored.

Can a Misrepresentation of Age Charge Be Dismissed?

Depending on the facts, there may be several ways to fight or resolve a Section 6307 charge. Every case is different, but possible defense issues may include:

  • Whether the Commonwealth can prove the person knowingly made a false representation;

  • Whether the person actually represented themselves to be 21 or older;

  • Whether the alleged statement was made for the purpose of procuring alcohol;

  • Whether the officer, bartender, store employee, or witness can identify the accused;

  • Whether the charge can be resolved through a diversionary or pre-adjudication program;

  • Whether the officer or prosecutor will agree to a withdrawal, dismissal, or alternative resolution.

In many cases, the best outcome is not simply a reduced fine. The better goal is to avoid a conviction that could remain on a student’s or young adult’s record.

How the Zuckerman Law Firm Can Help

The Zuckerman Law Firm regularly represents students and young adults charged with summary offenses, fake ID offenses, underage drinking, furnishing alcohol to minors, and other alcohol-related charges in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania.

If hired, our firm can assist with:

  • Reviewing the citation and alleged facts;

  • Entering a not guilty plea and scheduling a hearing on your behalf;

  • Preparing the accused minor for court proceedings;

  • Negotiating with police officers, prosecutors, or court personnel;

  • Seeking a withdrawal, dismissal, diversionary disposition, or other favorable outcome;

  • Advising on expungement eligibility if the case is dismissed or resolved favorably.

Our #1 goal in these cases is to help you avoid a conviction and move forward with your life.

Call a Pittsburgh Misrepresentation of Age Lawyer Today

If you or your child has been charged with misrepresentation of age to secure liquor under 18 Pa.C.S. § 6307, do not simply plead guilty without understanding the consequences. A guilty plea may seem like the fastest way to make the case go away, but it can create a criminal record and make future charges more serious.

Contact the Zuckerman Law Firm today at 412-447-5580 for a free consultation. We represent students, young adults, and parents throughout Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, and Western Pennsylvania.