DUI penalties are strict for everyone, but they are even more stringent for underage drinkers. This is because underage drinking and driving is a serious offense. The law stipulates two obvious crimes if the police arrest a teenager for driving under the influence: underage DUI and underage drinking.
A large number of fatal accidents over the years have involved underage drinking. This is why the authorities adopted more stringent laws to prevent underage DUI. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, these minimum-drinking-age laws have saved about 32,000 lives from 1975 to 2017. This article explores the penalties for underage DUI and how a Boise DUI attorney can help.
When Can You Be Penalised for Underage DUI?
The police would typically administer a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) test to anyone, minor or adult. However, as a minor, if your blood alcohol content is at least 0.01%, you will be penalized.
If your BAC measures at least 0.05%, the police officer will have to arrest you. The general rule is the higher your BAC, the greater the penalty.
What Are the Immediate Consequences?
There are several immediate consequences for an underage DUI. They are generally less stringent than a standard DUI, but they are still severe. They include the following:
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Loss of Driver’s Privileges
This is the primary consequence of an underage DUI. According to the Zero Tolerance Law, if a minor has any alcohol amount in their system while operating a public vehicle, they have committed a crime. It would lead to the teenager’s driver’s license’s immediate suspension. The court could also revoke your driving privileges for anywhere from 90 days to 3 years. It means that you will lose your right to operate a vehicle if you have 0.01% or 0.05% alcohol in your system.
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Paying Fines
In some cases, you may have to pay a fine ranging from $100 to about $2,500. A parent/guardian will have to pay the penalty if the teen cannot afford to. This consequence typically follows when your BAC is 0.05% and above. Find out more about this from a DUI lawyer in Boise.
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Impounding the Car Involved
The police may tow and impound your vehicle for up to 30 days upon a DUI arrest. This is mostly obtainable if there are any items inside the car that the investigators can administer as evidence.
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Compulsory DUI Courses
The authorities might require you to attend a DUI education program that could last three to nine months. It is compulsory, and your parents or guardian must pay for it.
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Jail Time
You can spend anything from 2 days to 1 year in jail if you are above 18 but below 21. You might also be detained in a youth detention facility if you are below 18. However, if you killed someone while driving under the influence of alcohol, you might be facing up to 15 years in prison.
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Probation
If your BAC level is above 0.05%, the law might place you on probation for three to five years. The law could also require you to complete 30-60 days of community service in some cases. Boise DUI Lawyers can help you reduce your probation time.
Long-term Consequences
Apart from the short-term consequences, there are longer-term, indirect DUI outcomes. These occur even if the DUI charge took place a long time ago.
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Termination of Your Auto-Insurance Policy
Your auto insurance providers could terminate your insurance policy or increase your monthly premium. This is because getting involved in a DUI indicates that you are a high-risk client.
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Permanent Record
An underage DUI charge is a criminal misdemeanor, but it might go on your permanent record. It means that you might find it hard to secure loans, apartments, scholarships, or jobs. However, an experienced DUI attorney can help ensure that the authorities do not place the charge permanently on your record.
How Can a Boise DUI Attorney Help With an Underage DUI?
There are several things an experienced lawyer can do to dispute the charge. These include:
- Proving that the police did not administer the field sobriety or breath test correctly.
- Proving that the officer violated or denied you of your constitutional rights during the arrest.
Speak to a Criminal Defense Attorney Today!
If you are a minor who is facing a DUI charge or you know someone who is, you should speak to a Boise DUI Attorney at Boise DUI Guy. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys are willing to hear your side of the story and offer you advice. We have represented numerous underage drivers with DUI charges to minimize the impact of their convictions, get them acquitted, or get their cases dismissed. We can do the same for you. Contact us today!