It is illegal for anyone under 21 to possess or consume alcohol, and it is also illegal for anyone to operate a motor vehicle after illegally consuming alcohol. For adults, the legal limit is 0.08. However, for anyone under 21, the legal limit is a mere 0.02 blood alcohol content. Any driver with a 0.02 or higher who is under 21 will be charged with a DUI.
Drivers under 21 who are facing a DUI should expect serious consequences that will require multiple appearances in court, but a Fredericksburg underage DUI lawyer may be able to help. A skilled DUI defense attorney could help you make a proper and professional presentation in court at trial. A lawyer could also fight on your behalf to minimize the problems caused by your DUI charges.
The same factors will be used to measure impairment for an underage driver as they would be for an adult:
A Fredericksburg underage DUI lawyer could look at the specific evidence involved in your case and tailor a defense strategy to your situation.
Prosecutors and judges treat cases of underage DUI very seriously. Not only is drinking underage a violation of the law, but it is also illegal to drink before operating a motor vehicle. Therefore, prosecutors and judges will treat that with the appropriate seriousness. However, human experience tells us that young people tend to make more mistakes than adults, and there can be a little bit more flexibility given in handling these cases.
Depending on the facts and circumstances that come with an underage DUI charge, most drivers should expect prosecutors to seek a conviction. However, the specific facts of each arrest could lead to different treatment by the prosecutors.
An underage DUI case could be heard in one of two courts. If the driver is under 18 and facing a DUI, their case will be heard in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. If the driver is between the age of 18 and 21, then their case will be heard in the General District Court.
The possible sentence for an underage DUI is the same as it would for an adult sentencing, in that the possibility exists for up to 12 months in jail and up to a 12-month loss of their driver’s license.
It is important for anyone facing underage DUI charges to work with an experienced Fredericksburg underage DUI lawyer because local attorneys:
If you were charged with a DUI while under the age of 21, you should not risk appearing in court without proper representation. A Fredericksburg underage DUI lawyer could negotiate on your behalf to resolve a case and help you prepare for a court appearance. Consult with an experienced attorney today to begin building a defense.