Adults under the age of 21 are prohibited from purchasing or possessing alcohol in every state in the country. When it comes to teenage DUIs, every state in the US has a zero-tolerance policy. What precisely does this imply — and what does it portend for your future? If you’ve been charged with a DUI while under the age of 21, call Simmons Wagner, LLP right immediately for a free case review.
Even a swig of booze might land you in jail
Under zero tolerance regulations, if you’re under the age of 21 and you’re caught driving with any amount of alcohol in your system, even if it’s significantly less than the 0.08 percent BAC that applies to all drivers, you might be arrested. People think that only one drink can put you at danger of getting a DUI while under the age of 21, but the fact is that even one sip can have major implications.
Why are the penalties for underage drinking and driving so harsh?
It may begin to make sense when you consider the reasons behind these laws. Consider the following scenario: A automobile accident is the cause of one out of every three deaths of people between the ages of 15 and 20. Approximately one-third of these include alcohol. These figures are approximately double the number of persons over the age of 21 who die in car accidents. As you can see, this is a severe problem, and it’s logical that strong measures have been taken to address it.
Zero tolerance has shown to be effective, but at what cost?
Do these zero-tolerance policies actually work? They have, according to a research conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. They discovered that in the first dozen states to enact these rules, fatal nighttime collisions involving drivers under the age of 21 decreased significantly. It largely included single-car collisions, but when compared to a dozen states without zero tolerance legislation, the drop was a whopping 20%.
A DUI conviction while under the age of 21 can have significant consequences
Of course, you are well aware that you must avoid a charge of underage DUI at all costs. It not only jeopardizes your life and the lives of others, but it also has the potential to harm your future. It can keep you from finding a job, preventing you from receiving a license in some professions, and even affecting your college career. It’s also too expensive from a financial standpoint. Not only will you have to pay fines, but your insurance premiums will also soar.
You require the services of an attorney who can assist you with your DUI case
The good news is that being charged with a DUI while under the age of 21 is not the same as getting convicted. There are alternatives available to you. You might be able to defend yourself against the charge. It all relies on the facts of your case and whether you retain legal counsel. For a free case review, call Simmons Wagner, LLP at (949) 439-5857 right now.