Understanding Personal Injury Law

Understanding Your DUI Conviction As A Minor

15 August 2016

Kristina Walker

If you are convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol and you are not yet old enough to purchase liquor, you should be aware that the ramifications could be very serious. For instance, you may be surprised to learn that you do not need to be legally drunk in most states in order to be charged with a DUI if you are under the age of 21. You will also face the full range of consequences associated with a DUI, including the loss of your driver's license as the result of driving under the influence of alcohol. Therefore, if you are considering going to court without an attorney, it is a good idea to be informed as to what the consequences of a DUI can be for you.

Understanding A DUI Conviction As A Minor

Although you should plan to discuss the specific details of your arrest with your attorney, it is important to note that you do not need to be legally drunk in order to be charged with a DUI. That may be because you cannot buy your own alcohol, therefore its presence in your bloodstream is rarely legal. Unfortunately, drivers who are not yet old enough to buy their own liquor are still involved in 17% of deadly motor vehicle accidents where alcohol is a contributing factor.

Some states will charge you with a DUI if your blood alcohol level, or BAC, is as low as .02%, but some states will allow for your arrest if you have any alcohol in your bloodstream at all. As a result, you may find that a single beer or drinking punch that contained liquor could result in an arrest. If you are convicted, you could lose your driver's license and jail time is a distinct possibility.

Knowing How Your Can Attorney Help You

One possible defense that you should discuss with your lawyer may occur if you live in a state like Texas, where a parent, legal guardian or spouse can legally buy liquor and then give it to you in some instances. In addition, you may find that an experienced DUI can work with you to set reasonable expectations for the outcome of your case.

There is no guarantee that an attorney will be able to help you to avoid jail time, removal of your driving privileges or other unfortunate circumstances. However, going to court without a lawyer is a terrible idea and waiting till the last minute to choose that attorney can limit his or her ability to adequately defend you. Therefore, it is a good idea to choose an experienced DUI lawyer as soon as possible after your arrest and to not speak with law enforcement unnecessarily without the presence or advice of an attorney.

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