Underage Drinking and DUI

Many automobile accidents occur due to one driver being intoxicated. Thousands of minors die each year due to driving under the influence. Underage drinking is a real problem and the government is taking steps to reduce the occurrence of this crime. This government’s main weapon is the Zero Tolerance law. The idea here is that by having stricter consequences for minors driving drunk, it will act as a deterrent that will stop others from doing it.

If you or someone you know is a minor charged with a DUI, then contact a DUI lawyer in your area as soon as possible.

Zero Tolerance Law

Zero Tolerance is a law that punishes minors for drinking and driving. It is not a federal law, rather it is a state law that most states have adopted. The law varies slightly from state to state, but in general it states that someone under the legal drinking age caught driving with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) ranging from 0.00 to 0.02 will be charged with a DUI. The BAC limit is different for each state but does not go above 0.02. Although “Zero” Tolerance, 0.02 room is left for errors as some substances can give slight false positives.

Penalties for Underage Drinking and Driving

The exact wording of the Zero Tolerance law varies from state to state; some have not yet even passed such a law. However, all states have one thing in common. They all punish underage DUI charges very severely. In most cases, you will be charged with not only DUI but also underage drinking. The combination of two charges will only make the penalties more severe. Some examples of punishments you may face if convicted of underage DUI:

• Loss of driving privileges for up to two year
• Confiscation of vehicle
• Community service
• Prison sentence up to one year
• Alcohol education classes
• Expensive Fines (measured in thousands)
• Probation

Side Effects of an Underage DUI Conviction

If the direct penalties aren’t enough, an underage DUI conviction also carries with it other consequences. The conviction will appear on your record which is visible to all. Some effects of this include:

• • Automobile insurance rates dramatically increase
  • Harder to find employment
  • Difficulty in getting accepted to college

Get Legal Help

Underage drinking and driving is actually punished more severely than a regular DUI. When facing these charges, you are strongly encouraged to seek legal representation. The punishments are severe; this is not a matter to take lightly. An experienced lawyer may be able to reduce the charges, reduce the punishment, or even have the entire case dismissed. Don’t wait, contact a DUI lawyer in your area today and ask for a free DUI case evaluation.

from DUI Defense Team http://ift.tt/2GMwg4K
via Top DUI Defense Team