Many people consume alcohol before they turn 21. It’s a rite of passage for young people in the United States in various ways. However, drinking under the age of 21 and driving while inebriated remain illegal.
California is a severe state when it comes to drunk driving, particularly among kids. If you’re under the age of 21, the law differs in a number of ways, making it more likely that you’ll break it and face harsh consequences.
If you’re under the age of 21, you should avoid consuming alcohol or, if you do, never drive. However, if you are charged with a DUI, you should contact an experienced DUI attorney in Upland CA as quickly as possible. Your lawyer may look over your case and come up with the best factual and legal defenses for you, as well as help you negotiate a favorable settlement.
Minors’ intoxicated driving laws in California
If you are under the age of 21, you are subject to California’s strict zero tolerance law. This means that a person under the age of 21 has a legal BAC of .01 percent, while someone above the age of 21 has a legal BAC of .08 percent. It also means you can’t refuse to take a breathalyzer test on the side of the road, and depending on how inebriated you are, you could face additional charges.
One of the most challenging aspects of California’s zero tolerance DUI law is that if your blood alcohol content rises as a result of any drug, even medicine, you will be charged with a DUI. Most people don’t need much to raise their blood alcohol level reach .01 percent. It could be as little as one beer or mixed drink, if not even less. Due to the low legal limit, practically any amount of alcohol ingested while driving might result in a DUI charge.
Underage drivers have fewer rights on the roads
If you are under the age of 21 and are stopped on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, you have waived a key right: the right to refuse a roadside breathalyzer test. You can normally tell cops if you are 21 or older that you will not take a breathalyzer unless you are on probation for DUI. However, if you are under the age of 21, you must take the test or face further penalties for refusing to do it or subsequent tests after being detained.
You may be charged with a regular (adult) DUI if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is much greater than the legal limit for young drivers. This happens when your blood alcohol content (BAC) is .05 percent or above. A DUI conviction for someone over the age of 18 can result in a one-year license suspension, a fine of up to $100, and three months or more of mandatory DUI programs. An underage DUI will result in a one-year license suspension under the zero-tolerance law.
Don’t take any chances if you’ve been charged with a DUI while under the age of 21. Call 714-760-4088 to learn more about how Chambers Law Firm may help you defend yourself against these charges. Chambers Law Firm has extensive experience with DUI matters and knows how to obtain the best possible outcome for his clients. There are always free consultations available when you call to talk to a top DUI attorney in Upland CA.
