Can My Kid Still Get Into College With an Underage Drinking Charge?

 Posted on December 21, 2025 in Underage Drinking

Finding out your child has an underage drinking charge can raise many concerns. In most situations, one little mistake is not going to follow your child for years. Many students still move forward with college plans after an underage drinking charge, particularly when the case is handled carefully. Speaking with our Elgin, IL underage drinking defense lawyer early can help families understand what the charge really means and what steps may protect future opportunities.

Does an Underage Drinking Charge Show Up on College Applications?

College applications are not all the same. Some ask only about criminal convictions. Others may ask broader questions about legal or disciplinary history. This is why it is important to understand how the case was resolved.

In Illinois, underage drinking usually involves possession or consumption of alcohol by someone under 21, as stated under 235 ILCS 5/6-20. Many first-time cases do not result in a conviction. Courts often use supervision, which allows the case to close without a conviction if all conditions are met.

Juvenile cases are often treated differently from adult cases. The record may be handled through the juvenile system, which limits public access. This can reduce the chances that a college will ever see the charge.

Should My Child Disclose an Underage Drinking Charge on Applications?

Whether disclosure is required depends on how the question is worded. Some schools ask only about convictions. Others ask about charges or court involvement, even if the case was dismissed.

It is important to answer honestly, but only as required. If a case ended in supervision or dismissal, it may not need to be disclosed as a conviction. When disclosure is required, keeping the explanation brief and factual is usually best. Colleges often focus on how a student responded to the situation, such as completing court requirements and avoiding further issues.

Can an Underage Drinking Charge Be Removed From My Child’s Record?

In many cases, Illinois law allows records to be sealed or expunged. This depends on how the case ended and whether your child qualifies under the law. Expungement means the records are destroyed or returned. Sealing means that access is limited to certain individuals. 

Eligibility depends on several factors, including whether the case resulted in supervision, dismissal, or a conviction. Timing also matters. Some records can be addressed soon after the case closes, while others require a waiting period.

How Do You Fight an Underage Drinking Charge in Illinois?

Underage drinking charges often involve questions about how the police contact occurred and whether the evidence supports the charge. Courts also consider whether this is a first offense and whether there were any aggravating factors.

Common legal strategies may include:

• Questioning whether alcohol possession or consumption was clearly proven

• Reviewing whether police followed proper legal procedures

• Seeking court supervision instead of a conviction

• Requesting dismissal after successful completion of court conditions

Addressing the charge early often provides more options. Delays can limit available solutions and increase stress for both parents and students.

Contact a Kane County, IL Underage Drinking Defense Attorney Today

An underage drinking charge does not automatically prevent a student from getting into college. With the right legal approach, many cases are resolved in a way that protects a young person’s future. Attorney Brian J. Mirandola brings valuable experience to these cases as a former Assistant State’s Attorney. He also earned recognition as an Elite Lawyer from 2019 through 2025.

Call The Law Office of Brian J. Mirandola today at 847-488-0889 to schedule a free consultation with him. Working with an Elgin, IL underage drinking defense lawyer ensures you make informed decisions about your case.