Driving while under the influence of drugs and/ or alcohol is a crime in California. A DUI conviction when you’re under 21 years old is treated differently by the State. If you are convicted, the State will penalize you in a variety of harsh ways. Prosecutors will generally focus on the following elements to decide which charges to file and which penalties to give you based on:
• Your criminal history
• The details surrounding your DUI arrest
However, there are some exceptions to the rule. If you are under 21 years old and convicted of DUI driving, you will experience the exceptions to the rule.
Underage DUI Penalties You’ll Receive—If Convicted
A driver under 21 years old will face some unique penalties when convicted of DUI. In almost all DUI cases, teenagers have their licenses suspended. The automatic driver’s license suspension is usually for one year.
Of course, there are exceptions to the rules. How long your license is suspended depends on:
- If your blood alcohol concentration, or BAC, was 0.01 percent or higher, then your driver’s license will be suspended for one year.
- You refused to take a chemical test. This will be a one year suspension of your driver’s license for the first offense. This suspension is separate from any other license suspension you receive as punishment.
- You refused to take a chemical test for a second DUI offense in 10 years. Your driver’s license will be revoked for two years.
- You refused to take a chemical test for a third time for a second DUI offense. Your driver’s license will be revoked for three years.
Zero Tolerance for Underage Drinking
The legal age to drink is 21 years old. The State has a zero tolerance for underage drunk driving. Anyone under 21 years old can’t have any alcohol in his or her bloodstream. This means you’ve committed a DUI offense when your blood alcohol concentration level is 0.01 percent or higher.
Are you under 21 years old and arrested for DUI? There’s no such thing as a minor arrest when it comes to a DUI charge. A DUI conviction can have a major impact on your education and future job prospects. That’s why the Law Offices of Jonathan Franklin is determined to provide you a vigorous, strong defense. Attorney Jonathan Franklin is a Los Angeles attorney who has prosecuted and defended DUI charges. He has a wealth of knowledge on how to fight your DUI charge so you can avoid the harsh penalties of a conviction. Call Jonathan Franklin today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step towards resolving your matter and moving on with your life.
