Underage DWI

If you or your child is under the age of 21 and has been charged with a DWI or driving while intoxicated, the penalties can be very serious.

Many kids in the United States are underage when they begin to drink alcohol. Many of those who tried alcohol drove a car after drinking or were passenger in a car with a driver who had been drinking.  Drinking while under the age of 21 is illegal just as driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol is illegal.

Many states have a zero tolerance policy for underage drinking and those who choose to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking.  The Blood Alcohol Concentration for those who are caught driving while intoxicated and underage is 0.01% in some states.  Even though you aren’t visibly impaired you will be arrested for a BAC of 0.01%.  If you are underage and your BAC is over 0.05%, you can be charged with an underage DWI and an adult DWI first offense as well.

Punishment for underage driving while intoxicated can vary from state to state.  For example, there are no mandatory punishments governed by statute for a BAC under 0.08% unless the driver of the vehicle is over the age of 18 and has a BAC of 0.05%.

If you are convicted of underage DWI your license will be suspended for one year.  After that, suspensions will range from 2 years to 3 years depending upon the offense.

Underage DWI will raise insurance rates. Also, the conviction will follow you or your family member as they apply for employment, apply for college, or attempt to join the military.

With anyone who is underage and has never gone through the legal system before it can be overwhelming.  Find a DWI attorney that is right for you or your family member by filling out the free consultation form.