Teens and DUIs: What Are the Consequences When Teens Drive Drunk?

So how much alcohol can the average teenager drink before he or she is considered unlawfully driving under the influence? Two drinks? Three? Try less than one alcoholic drink! While a standard DUI is given when your blood alcohol content is 0.08% or over, there are special laws for minors under the age of twenty-one. These laws are called zero-tolerance laws, and every state has them. This means that if you have anything to drink before you get behind the wheel, your license will automatically be suspended, and you will be charged with an underage DUI.

Think that law enforcement will go easy on you, because you’re a minor? Think again! Criminal penalties are harsher for minors who are charged with a DUI, than they are for adults. This means that a first time offender can receive:

• jail time, years of probation,
• years in license suspension,
• months of DUI education classes, and
• up to thousands of dollars in fines.

These penalties cannot be avoided by refusing the breathalyzer, either. Because of your states “implied consent” laws, refusal to take a blood alcohol test is often seen as an admission of guilt, and you can face an even longer license suspension than you would for the DUI alone. Remember that the police can always use other evidence to show that you were drinking too – like your erratic driving, or that smell on your breath.

A DUI will stay on your record into your adulthood, and because college and workplace applications require that you inform them of any criminal offenses, you may face roadblocks to your educational path, as well as your career.

Parents! If you think you are helping your teenager by providing a safe place for them to drink in your home, think again! If a drunk driving accident happens after a party at your home, you can be held criminally and civilly responsible for the consequences of this accident.

If you are under the age of 21, you should never step behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking. If you have been charged with an underage DUI, you should contact an experienced DUI attorney for assistance.

Case Studies: Teens and DUIs – Consequences of Driving Drunk

Case Study 1: Zero-Tolerance Laws

Mark, a 19-year-old college student, was pulled over for a routine traffic violation. During the stop, the officer detected the smell of alcohol on Mark’s breath and conducted a breathalyzer test, which revealed a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.03%. Although below the legal limit for adults, Mark’s BAC exceeded the zero-tolerance threshold for minors in his state.

As a result, Mark’s license was automatically suspended, and he faced charges for an underage DUI. Despite being a first-time offender, Mark encountered severe penalties, including a lengthy license suspension and mandatory alcohol education classes.

Case Study 2: Refusal to Take a Breathalyzer

Linda, a 17-year-old high school student, was involved in a minor traffic accident late at night. Concerned about potential repercussions due to underage drinking, Linda refused to take a breathalyzer test when asked by law enforcement. Unfortunately, her refusal was treated as an admission of guilt, leading to even harsher consequences. Linda’s license was suspended for an extended period, and she faced additional fines and community service for both the accident and the refusal to take the test.

Case Study 3: Impact on Future Opportunities

Jake, an 18-year-old with dreams of attending college and pursuing a successful career, made a regrettable decision to drive after consuming alcohol at a party. He was pulled over and charged with an underage DUI. Despite showing remorse and promising not to repeat the mistake, Jake’s DUI conviction stayed on his record. When applying to colleges and jobs, he faced significant hurdles due to his criminal record, limiting his opportunities and impacting his future prospects.