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What is the potential for jail time in an underage DUI case?
Question:
What is the potential for jail time in an underage DUI case?
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Get Informed - DUI/DWI Law Information
We've got a large library of DUI and DWI law articles, Q&A's and other resources. Start here to learn about DUI laws, arrests, defense, penalties and more.
DUI Basics
Get the low down on the law and what you can expect if you're arrested and charged with a DUI.
Get the low down on the law and what you can expect if you're arrested and charged with a DUI.
Your DUI and the DMV
Besides the court and criminal charge the Department of Motor Vehicles will also bring you grief.
Besides the court and criminal charge the Department of Motor Vehicles will also bring you grief.
DUI Arrests, Police Reports, Arraignments, and Fees
After you're arrested, booked and released, you'll need to get ready for your arraignment.
After you're arrested, booked and released, you'll need to get ready for your arraignment.
DUI/DWI Charges and Penalties
After a DUI conviction expect fines, license suspension, DUI school, and sometimes jail.
After a DUI conviction expect fines, license suspension, DUI school, and sometimes jail.
Fighting a DUI
You may have options to lessen the sentence, get a reduced charge or get the case dismissed.
You may have options to lessen the sentence, get a reduced charge or get the case dismissed.
Getting Help with a DUI/DWI Charge
There are some things you can do yourself and some which require the help of an attorney.
There are some things you can do yourself and some which require the help of an attorney.
The potential for jail time in an underage DUI case will vary depending on the laws in your state and on the circumstances surrounding your specific case, but regardless of where you live one thing is certain: if you are convicted of underage DUI you will suffer some serious consequences which could affect you for years.
I Just Had One Drink
Every state in the United States has zero tolerance laws, which means you risk a DUI conviction if you get behind the wheel of a car after you've had a single drink and you are under 21. In some states, like California you can be charged with adult DUI if your blood alcohol content is .05%.
Jail Time
If this is a first offense, and you have no other criminal history and there were no aggravating circumstances in your case you may not have to serve any jail time. However, if this is not your first DUI or you caused an accident that damaged property or seriously injured other people the likelihood that you will be facing potential jail time increases dramatically.
Rehabilitation
Underage drinking and driving is a national problem that is taken very seriously. Many states have programs which are designed to help young people receive treatment for an alcohol problem. Often successful completion of these programs can keep an underage offender out of jail and may even result in charges being dismissed. These programs often require family involvement and include counseling, frequent testing and educational classes.
Get Legal Help
If you or a family member have been charged with underage DUI, contact an experienced defense attorney immediately. Do not assume that just because a blood alcohol test came back positive that the case is indefensible. Find an attorney you are comfortable working with who can answer your questions and explain what is likely to happen next.
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