Criminal Violations associated with being under 21 Years of Age

One of the greatest inequalities in the law is its treatment of persons under 21 years of age. This group of persons is charged with all the responsibilities and obligations of adulthood but is not given all the rights and benefits. A citizen over the age of 18 can own property and join the NBA. They must register for the draft, possibly kill or be killed for their country. They must pay property tax, sales tax and income tax - the very taxes that pay the salaries of the police. Yet persons under 21 years of age cannot legally drink beer or drive a car with any alcohol in their body, even if they are completely sober. Each year more and tougher laws are enacted to criminalize conduct that would not be illegal for someone 21 years of age. Unfortunately, there is no end in sight to this trend.

Because we are located in a college town, the Robbins Law Firm has a long history of representing clients with legal problems associated with being under 21 years of age. These problems include charges of being less than 21 and driving with alcohol remaining in your body, underage possession of alcohol, fake I.D., and misdemeanor possession of marijuana. We look not only at our client's immediate legal problem but also at the long-term ramifications that a conviction might have on his or her career plans.

A criminal conviction at an early age can have future adverse ramifications that cannot be foreseen or predicted. Our goal is to make sure that a minor indiscretion of youth does not foreclose a promising future. Fortunately, there are many ways to avoid a conviction and keep a person's record clean. These include diversion programs that involve alcohol and drug education. Arrests and charges can often be expunged or removed from your record. Our advice is to think long term in deciding how to respond to a criminal charge.

The legal system may not treat people under 21 years of age as adults, but the Robbins Law Firm does. We will fight for the rights of all our clients with equal determination regardless of age. We respect the confidentiality of the attorney-client relationship and will not discuss the facts of your case with anyone, including your parents, without your express consent. Our fees are reasonable and within most student budgets. Our office is located conveniently within walking distance of the U.N.C. campus.