Issues with Juvenile DUI

Driving under the influence is a serious charge no matter what age you are, but as a juvenile offender, a juvenile DUI has some special circumstances. Juveniles are considered to be those of age 18 and over, and while laws concerning juvenile DUI vary by state, most of the charges and penalties that are likely to be imposed are centered on similar factors, outlined below.

Juvenile DUI Rules

• DUI

The majority of states in the US use a zero tolerance policy when it comes to juveniles drinking and driving. Juveniles with blood alcohol content at basically any level who are driving can be charged with DUIs; compared to adult cases, where blood alcohol must meet a certain amount in order to result in a DUI, this is a much stricter policy.

•  Minor drinking

Since juveniles are those under 18, and the drinking age is 21, you only need to do the math to see a problem. In addition to the charge of driving under the influence, minors may be subject to possession and underage drinking charges, fines, and penalties.

It’s important to realize that a charge of juvenile DUI, while it’s a very serious matter for the reasons outlined above, will not carry the same punishments as an adult DUI. While the crime itself is quite severe, juvenile crimes and convictions are generally handled differently than adult ones, and juvenile courts have more leeway in offering alternative punishments, meaning a juvenile has a much better chance of getting a plea bargain, parole, or a similar deal. The exception to this is in a very serious situation where, for example, someone was injured or killed as a result of the DUI. If the situation is considered severe enough, the juvenile can face extremely serious consequences.

Regardless of the details of the case or the state in which it took place, most juveniles charged and convicted of DUI can expect to pay fines, be put on probation, and lose their licenses for a specified amount of time.

Another factor to keep in mind is that some states allow the option of expunging records of juvenile offenses. In other words, depending on where you’re located, a juvenile DUI charge may possibly be removed from your record later in life, while an adult DUI will likely remain permanently. This doesn’t make the charge any less serious, but is a separate issue to consider in the case of a juvenile offender.

Getting Help

Anyone charged with a juvenile DUI is advised to seek the advice of a good lawyer. Regardless of how simple the case may be, a lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure you receive a punishment in line with the crime, as well as walk you through the steps of the court process and prepare you for what is to come.