DC Underage Drinking Lawyer

How Scrofano Law PC Handles Your Underage Drinking Case

Here’s a clear walkthrough of how the firm approaches an underage drinking defense from the first call through resolution.

Step 1: Initial Case Review

The process starts with a confidential consultation. Attorney Scrofano reviews the circumstances of the charge, where the citation was issued, how the arrest was conducted, what additional charges are involved, and what evidence the government has. By the end of this conversation, you’ll have a clear picture of the legal landscape and what the defense options look like.

Step 2: Evidence and Procedure Analysis

Every police report, body camera recording, and arrest record is reviewed for procedural errors, rights violations, and evidentiary weaknesses. DC underage drinking arrests frequently involve searches of bags, vehicles, or residences, and those searches don’t always meet the legal standard required. 

Evidence obtained through an unlawful search can be challenged and potentially suppressed before the case proceeds.

Step 3: Defense Strategy Development

Once the evidence has been reviewed, Attorney Scrofano develops a strategy built around the specific facts of the case. For first-time offenders, that strategy often focuses on diversion, pursuing a deferred prosecution agreement, deferred sentencing, or entry into the DC Diversion Program, any of which can result in dismissal and protect the client’s record from a permanent conviction.

Step 4: Prosecutor Negotiations

Before any case goes to a hearing, Scrofano Law PC engages directly with prosecutors to explore dismissal, diversion, or charge reduction. These negotiations are informed by the evidence review and the client’s background, academic standing, community involvement, and absence of prior record all factor into what the government is willing to consider. This stage often determines how the case resolves.

Step 5: Hearing or Trial Representation

If the case proceeds to a hearing or trial, Attorney Scrofano represents the client directly in the DC Superior Court. He challenges the government’s evidence, cross-examines witnesses, and presents arguments designed to create reasonable doubt or establish grounds for dismissal. His experience across more than 1,000 DC cases informs how every hearing is prepared and argued.

Step 6: Record and License Outcomes

Once the case is resolved, the firm advises on next steps, including whether the client is eligible for record expungement or sealing in DC, and how to address any driver’s license suspension that resulted from the charge. 

A dismissal through diversion may open the path to expungement, which removes the arrest from background checks entirely. Attorney Scrofano walks clients through that process when it applies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will an underage drinking charge stay on my record in DC?

Without legal intervention, a conviction can remain on your criminal record and appear in background checks for education, employment, and housing. DC does allow for expungement and record sealing in certain circumstances. Eligibility depends on the outcome of your case and your prior record. Scrofano Law PC can assess whether you qualify and guide you through the process when appropriate.

Can a lawyer help me get into a diversion program?

Yes. Diversion in DC, including deferred prosecution agreements, deferred sentencing agreements, and the DC Diversion Program, requires negotiation with prosecutors and a well-prepared presentation of the client’s background. An attorney who knows DC prosecutors and understands what the government weighs in these decisions can make a significant difference in whether diversion is offered and on what terms.

What happens if I was also charged with using a fake ID?

Using or possessing a fake ID in DC is a separate misdemeanor charge that carries penalties of up to 180 days in jail, fines up to $1,000, and automatic license suspension. When fake ID and underage drinking charges are filed together, the cases need to be addressed as a coordinated defense. Handling them separately, or without counsel, increases the risk that one charge undermines the resolution of the other.

Will my driver’s license be suspended even if I wasn’t driving?

Yes. DC law allows for a 90-day driver’s license suspension following an underage drinking conviction, regardless of whether a vehicle was involved. For out-of-state license holders, the suspension can affect driving privileges in the home state as well. Challenging the suspension through negotiation or hearing is part of how Scrofano Law PC approaches these cases.

What should I do immediately after an underage drinking citation in DC?

Do not ignore the citation or miss your court date. A missed appearance can result in a bench warrant, which compounds the original charge significantly. Contact a DC underage drinking lawyer as soon as possible after receiving a citation or following an arrest. The earlier counsel is involved, the more options exist for challenging evidence, pursuing diversion, and protecting your record.