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Underage DUI Charges and Possible Penalties

February 16, 2014

When underage drivers are arrested for DUI, the charges filed against them will depend on the drivers’ BAC and whether the accused has a prior DUI conviction.

Underage DUIs refer to criminal charges that are filed against drivers who are younger than 21 years old (i.e., the legal drinking age) and are accused of having being driving while intoxicated (with alcohol or drugs). Because a significant number of DUI accidents – including fatal DUI collisions – are caused by underage drivers, the laws regarding prosecuting and penalizing this group if they are ultimately convicted of drunk driving are particularly harsh.

First and foremost, the legal blood alcohol limits for drivers who are younger than 21 years old are significantly less than what they are for drivers who are 21 or older. Specifically, underage drivers can be arrested for DUI if they have a reported blood alcohol level of 0.02 or greater (while the legal limit for of age drivers is 0.08).

When underage drivers are arrested for DUI, the resulting charges filed against them (and the associated penalties upon conviction) will depend on the drivers’ BAC and whether the accused individual has a prior DUI conviction. Check out the following table for the DUI charges and penalties that underage drivers can face based on their BACs and their possible history of prior DUI convictions.

Conviction History	BAC	Jail Time	Additional Penalties
No prior convictions (i.e., first DUI)	0.02 to 0.05	None	– 3 mo. Driver’s license suspension- Up to $600 in fines- Alcohol education classes- Community services
No prior convictions (i.e., first DUI)	0.05+	48 hours to 6 mos.	– 9 mo. Driver’s license suspension- $600 – $1,000 in fines- Alcohol education classes- Community services
1 prior conviction (i.e., second DUI)	0.02 to 0.05	Depends	– 6 mo. Driver’s license suspension- Up to $600 in fines- Alcohol education classes- Community services
1 prior conviction (i.e., second DUI)	0.05+	5 days to 1 year	– 1 year Driver’s license suspension- $600 – $1,000 in fines- Alcohol education classes- Community services

In addition to these court-ordered DUI penalties, underage drivers convicted of DUI can face huge increases in their insurance rates for years to come and a loss of scholarships, college loans and/or college opportunities.

Contact the Denver and Boulder Metro Area DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyer at the Griffin Law Firm

Facing any type of criminal charges can be both scary and stressful, as a conviction could cost you your reputation, your career, your family and even your freedom. If you or your loved one has been arrested for and/or formally charged with any crime, Christopher Griffin wants you to know that he is ready to immediately start providing you with the strongest possible defense against police and prosecutors – both outside and inside of the courtroom.

Regardless of whether you are facing criminal charges for the first time, have prior convictions and/or were on probation or parole at the time of the alleged crime, Christopher Griffin and all of the legal professionals at the Griffin Law Firm will work relentlessly to help you obtain the best possible outcome to your case. In fact, our steadfast dedication to the notion that the accused are innocent until proven guilty means that we will do everything in our power to help you resolve your case in the most favorable and efficient manner possible.

To receive a complete evaluation of your case, along with professional advice regarding your best options, contact us by calling 303-280-1070 or by emailing us using the form at the top of this page.