What are the penalties for a DUI for someone under 21?

When a minor is charged with DUI, the consequences can be much more difficult than those for adults. There are two reasons for those increased penalties:

• The National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 sets the minimum age for drinking or possessing alcohol at 21

• “Zero Tolerance” laws adopted by most states requiring high penalties for any minor driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .01% or more.

In reality, not all states have adopted “Zero Tolerance” laws for minors, although the legal BAC level is generally .02% or higher.

The penalties for a DUI charge for someone under the age of 21 vary by state, but those penalties can include:

• Fines of $100 to $2,500

• Jail time of 2 days to 1 year

• 30-60 days of community service

• Probation of 3 to 5 years

• Impounding the car

• Attending drug/alcohol and driver’s education courses

• Revocation of driver’s licenses for 90 days to 3 years

• Additional fines and fees

These are difficult charges to face for just one DUI arrest and conviction. In some states, those penalties can include criminal charges, which can haunt the offender for the rest of their life. If you or a minor in your family is faced with DUI charges, you should consult a DUI attorney to help them determine if they have grounds to fight those charges and protect your future.