What are the penalties for an underage DUI?

The legal age throughout the United States to consume and purchase alcohol is 21. However, many people under the age of 21 illegally drink alcohol anyway. Unfortunately, sometimes, those who are drinking underage also make the poor decision to get behind the wheel and drive because even though they aren’t old enough to drink, they are old enough to drive. Those who are charged with an Underage DUI charge are facing serious consequences. It is important to note that if you are underage and your blood alcohol content reads 0.01 percent or higher, you will be charged with a DUI.

If convicted of driving under the influence before you are even legally allowed to be under the influence, you can expect a license suspension between 30 and 90 days and up to 30 days of mandatory community service. You will likely be required to participate in classes at the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center to learn about the dangers of alcohol and highway safety.

Consequences become even more severe if the intoxicated driver was too young to even have a driver’s license and was under the age of 17. In this situation, the person can expect to face an additional delay in processing your driver’s license for 30-90 days.

If you have been charged with an underage DUI, it is important to retain the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney who can provide you with assistance and fight to protect your future.

If you require strong and dedicated representation for any of your legal matters, contact The Law Offices of George J. Mardinly to schedule a consultation.