Underage DUI Offenders
Posted on Mar 23, 2010 4:55pm PDT
When a driver under the age of 21 is arrested on suspicion of drunk driving, it’s imperative that they speak with a DUI defense attorney right away. A DUI conviction for a person under the age of 21 can lead to more than just legal problems. Having a criminal conviction on one’s record can affect their chances of getting into a good college or finding a good job, as criminal activity must be listed on job and college applications. Certain jobs and college majors won’t allow anyone with a criminal history to hold the position or apply for the program. Furthermore, if the driver is still in high school, a DUI arrest can result in suspension from school or school activities.
Zero Tolerance Policy
All states have very strict policies in place to prevent underage people from drinking in driving. In most states, it’s illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to drive with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system. This means that even if an underage driver registers a .01 or .02, he or she can be arrested and charged with DUI. Should the driver be convicted of the offense, they might face the following penalties: driver’s license suspension, community service, alcohol education classes, probation, and more. In the event that an underage driver causes a DUI accident that results in injury or death, they will be in a far more serious situation, and could be sent to jail.
If your son or daughter has been arrested for drunk driving, it’s always best to trust the case to a trained and highly experienced DUI defense attorney. With so much at stake, it’s important to do everything you can to ensure your child receives the aggressive defense needed to increase their chances of achieving a successful outcome to their case.
Click here to find a DUI lawyer near you who has experience representing underage drivers.