The Consequences of an Underage DUI Conviction

In America, the age at which one can legally drink is 21. However, it is common knowledge that many start drinking in their late teens and some even in their early teens. Studies have even proven that most young people begin drinking much before the age of 21.

The issue with underage drinking is that it is usually associated with dangerous trends such as binge drinking and drunken driving. In response to underage drinking and driving, the federal government has some laws in place.

Laws are in Place

The federal government requires every state to have anti-drinking and driving laws and especially anti-underage drinking and driving laws. According to Covington, TN DUI lawyers, any person found to be driving under the influence and under the age of 21 will mandatorily have their licenses confiscated or suspended.

Even with these laws in place, some human beings are very stubborn and they still cause DUI crashes. If you make a mistake on the road such as this it does not mean your life is over with. It can be much worse if you do not press here though and secure yourself some serious legal help.

Zero Tolerance Laws to Combat Underage Driving Under the Influence

In the case of adult drivers, a blood alcohol content of 0.08% BAC or higher will lead to a driving under the influence charge. However, when it comes to drivers under the age of 21, understandably, that limit is much lower at 0.02% BAC, according to Tennessee DUI lawyers.

The blood alcohol content limitations for minors vary from state to state although some states like Tennessee have adopted a zero tolerance law where anything above a 0.00% BAC is enough to get a minor in trouble. On the other hand, some other states give them a slight leeway and have limitations of either 0.01% or 0.02%. For the most part, these numbers do not allow for any drinking at all. An under 21 who has consumed as little as half a pint of beer may find himself or herself likely to face a DUI charge.

In compliance with federal regulations, legislators in all states have passed laws which primarily make it illegal for minors to operate a motor vehicle even after the consumption of a negligible amount of alcohol. According to Covington, TN DUI attorneys, license suspension is only one of many repercussions of an underage DUI charge.

Penalties and Punishments for Minors Convicted of a DUI Charge

Underage drivers are likely to lose their driving privileges if found to be driving with a blood alcohol level over the established limit. Furthermore, if a minor refuses to submit to breath, blood or urine tests, that will also lead to automatic suspension of his/her driver’s license. In addition, Tennessee has an implied consent law where driver’s automatically consent to chemical tests if the police officer believes that a person has been driving under the influence.

Other punishments depend on the specifics of the case in question and the State in which the arrest occurred. Generally, consequences include prison time or time at a juvenile center, mandatory participation and completion of an alcohol/drug rehabilitation program, driving safety classes, fines, community service, and more. According to Tennessee DUI lawyers minors convicted of a DUI will also be made to, at their own expense, install ignition interlock devices on all vehicles that they operate.

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