There are strict regulations regarding underage drivers consuming alcohol. State law treats intoxicated drivers harshly, and there is even less leeway for motorists under the legal drinking age.
If you were pulled over for underage DUI, a dedicated defense Attorney might be able to help. Depending on the circumstances of your arrest, you could face serious consequences that are more than a minor inconvenience. Let a Plantation underage DUI Lawyer assist you with pursuing defense options.
The Zero Tolerance Policy
Under state law, there is a “zero-tolerance” policy for underage motorists and alcohol consumption. Unlike adults, who can have some alcohol in their system while driving, there are consequences for those under the age of 21 that have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .02 or more. This is substantially lower than the adult legal limit of .08.
There is a requirement that Police find evidence of impairment. Even if a minor does not show any outward signs of intoxication, a blood, breath, or urine test reading at or above the legal limit for minors could result in severe penalties. An underage DUI lawyer in Plantation might be able to help fight back against these consequences.
Penalties for Underage DUI
The penalties associated with underage DUI are administrative. That means they directly impact a person’s driving privileges. This does not include the risk of Jail time or a fine, but for most people, the loss of a driver’s license is a serious issue.
The length of the license suspension can vary from one case to another. For example, a person with a BAC of .02 or above will generally lose their license for six months. However, that period extends to a year if the individual has previously had a suspension for underage DUI.
The suspension of driving privileges can also last up to a year in cases where an underage driver refuses to submit to a urine, blood, or breath test following a traffic stop. The suspension can reach 18 months in cases where the underage driver has previously refused to submit to testing. In each of these cases, the loss of driving privileges is a real possibility. A seasoned Attorney in Plantation can help an individual understand and fight underage DUI penalties.
Can a Person Under 18 Be Arrested for DUI?
Because of the state’s zero-tolerance policy, drivers under the age of 21 found to have alcohol in their system face additional administrative penalties. However, if these drivers have a BAC at or above the legal limit, they could also face criminal charges. Drivers under 21 are not exempt from prosecution in these cases. Drivers under the age of 18 would face these charges in Juvenile Court.
For a first-time offender, an arrest for DUI could lead to as much as a $1,000 fine and six months in Jail. Most people, however, will not face additional Jail time as long as there was not an accident that resulted in physical injuries. Contacting a Lawyer in Plantation after an underage DUI arrest is crucial.
Talk to a Plantation Underage DUI Attorney
If you or a minor child are facing allegations of underage DUI, you could benefit from the guidance of Legal Counsel. Your choice of Attorney could help you protect your driving privileges and avoid additional criminal consequences. Let a Plantation underage DUI Lawyer assist with your case. Call as soon as possible for a confidential consultation about your defense options.
