Underage DUI - How you can avoid it?

 

The excessive use of alcohol and drugs among the youth in the recent times has become an eminent problem throughout the United States, resulting in an increase in alcohol related automobile incidents. The term underage refers to anyone under the age of 21. The increased cases of DUI (Driving under Influence with alcohol or drugs), has become the leading cause of disability and deaths in underage drivers. To address this issue states all over the US have adopted a policy of 'Zero tolerance ' for underage drunk driving.

 

If you are under the age of 21 and you are caught on account of drunk driving, you can be charged with underage DUI even if your blood alcohol content (BAC) results are well below .08. Once you are arrested for a DUI, unless you are able to get effective legal representation, you will most likely be faced with a criminal record in addition to a host of DUI conviction related consequences.

 

An underage DUI conviction can lead to consequences far beyond a suspended driver's license, depending on the circumstances of your case and the local DUI laws of state where the incident took place, and may include:

 

• A criminal record
• Monetary fines
• Jail time
• Mandatory community service
• Loss of financial aid for college
• Suspension from school
• Difficulty finding a job or renting an apartment

 

In most of the states alcohol consumption under the age of 21 is illegal. Some states have laws against the illegal possession and the attempt to obtain alcoholic beverages by anyone under the age of 21. Underage drinking and driving can have devastating consequences, and may result in fatal accidents. It is estimated that 23 percent of the underage drivers who die in fatal automobile accidents have a blood alcohol level of .08 percent or higher.

 

The .02 percent BAC legal limit, which applies to most states throughout the US for underage drivers, is basically an implication of the “zero tolerance” law. The underage DUI law makes it very hard for anyone under the age of 21 to drink and drive as even a single drink may result in a BAC that is higher than .02 percent.

 

If you are under the age of 21 and caught while driving after drinking, the officer will likely take your license and issue a temporary permit in its place that will allow you to drive for a period of ten days. You are required to submit a written request for a hearing regarding the administrative suspension of your license or your license can be suspended for six months on a first offense and for a year on subsequent offenses. In case your BAC is measured above .05 percent, you will be subject to more severe penalties and may include the requirement that you complete a substance abuse treatment course. In some states you may be subject to an immediate driver’s license suspension if you refuse to submit to a breath, blood or urine test following your DUI arrest.

 

If you are under 21 years of age and are faced with a DUI charge, you have to take it seriously as you may be facing very serious long-term consequences because it can affect your future educational opportunities, future employment and licensing opportunities. With so much at stake, and given the complexities of DUI laws, seeking professional help would be the best option.