California DUI Laws for Minors
For California drivers under the age of 21, driving under the influence (DUI) will result in severe penalties. The state has a zero-tolerance policy towards underage DUIs. If a driver under the age of 21 in California is arrested for a DUI, their driver's license will automatically be suspended. The limit for a DUI for an under-21 driver is only 0.01 percent blood alcohol concentration (BAC). If an underage driver refuses to submit to a chemical test, their license will still be automatically suspended.
Arrested for a DUI while under 21 in California? Contact our attorney today to start discussing your options.
What are the Penalties for an Underage DUI?
It is illegal for drivers under the age of 21 to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.01 percent or higher. This zero-tolerance policy applies to drivers throughout Fresno and the rest of California. If the police pull you over and suspect a DUI, you will be arrested and required to submit to a chemical test to determine your BAC.
If this is the first DUI offense, your license will be automatically suspended for one year, provided your BAC is over 0.01 percent, or you refuse to submit to a breath or blood BAC chemical test.
Additional penalties may include: mandatory enrollment and attendance in an alcohol and drug educational program; fines and fees; jail time (or a work alternative); and possibly an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in your car.
Even if driver's under the age of 21 are not under the influence, they may still be subject to penalties if they are found with alcohol in the vehicle. It is illegal to to have alcohol in the car of a driver under the age of 21, unless the container is full, sealed and has never been opened and they are in the car with a parent or legal guardian. Violation of this law will result in a fine of up to $1,000, suspended driver's license for one year, and vehicle impound for thirty (30) days.
My Child Was Arrested for DUI - What Should I Do?
No parent ever wants to receive a phone call or visit from police informing them that their son or daughter has been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). While teenage DUI charges often stem from a momentary lack of judgment, this one-time mistake can carry lifelong consequences – making it crucial that you take action immediately to protect their future and freedom.
If your child has been arrested for DUI, be sure to do the following:
- Understand California DUI law: The first step to guarding your child is to understand the penalties they face under California law. Underage defendants face even harsher standards than drivers of legal drinking age who are caught driving while intoxicated. California has a “Zero Tolerance” standard in California, meaning that an underage driver may be charged with DUI for having 0.01percent or higher of alcohol in their system. A basic underage DUI charge can carry a one year driver's license suspension, expensive fines, up to five years of DUI probation, and a jail sentence ranging from two days to six months. Additional penalties may be imposed for repeat offenders or if someone was injured or killed.
- Understand the long-term consequences: No parent ever wants to see their child go to jail or be slapped with harsh fines. The reality of the matter is that these are often the least of their worries, with a far more imposing threat being the impact that a criminal record can have on their future opportunities. A DUI conviction can result in denial of financial aid, rejection to certain colleges, skyrocketing insurance costs, and considerable difficulty finding employment.
- Contact a powerful attorney: An experienced DUI attorney will be able to represent your child in court and use their skills to negotiate with the prosecution for a reduction or dismissal of their charges. From contesting the reliability of breath and blood test results to custom tailoring arguments to the attitude of the judge overseeing their case, a lawyer will be able to maximize our child's chances of securing a favorable result for their case – oftentimes long before a trial even begins.
California Minor DUI Defense Lawyers
We have the skills, knowledge and professional representation to guide you through the legal process from beginning to end anywhere in Fresno, Madera, Kings, Tulare, and across the entire Central Valley. If you have questions regarding a DUI for a teenage driver, do not hesitate to contact Wapner Jones, PC to schedule a free consultation.
Was your child arrested for DUI? Fill out our online contact form today, or call us at (559) 266-8604.