Oceanside Under 21 DUI / DWI Lawyer
According to California law, it is illegal for a minor under the age of 21 to have any alcohol in his or her system while driving. This zero tolerance law means that anyone who is underage and found to have even a small amount of alcohol in his or her system may be penalized. If you or someone you know has been accused of drinking and driving while under the age of 21, do not hesitate to consult with an experienced Oceanside underage drunk driving lawyer about your case.
To learn more about what our attorneys can do for you, contact an Oceanside under 21 DUI attorney from Fischer & Van Thiel, LLP, at 760-722-7646.
Underage Drinking and Driving Offenses
Depending on your level of intoxication at the time you are pulled over, you may be arrested or ticketed for one of several underage drinking and driving offenses. The different offenses that you may be charged with include:
- Zero Tolerance Civil Offense: An underage driver found to have any alcohol in his or her system while driving may be charged with a civil offense that results in an automatic 1-year driver’s license suspension.
- Under 21 DUI Infraction: A driver under 21 who registers a BAC of .05% to .07% may be charged with a misdemeanor infraction in addition to receiving the civil offense charge above. The penalty is $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second offense, and $300 for a third offense.
- Misdemeanor DUI: If an underage driver registers a BAC of .08% or greater, he or she may be charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI). A conviction could lead to jail time, costly fines, probation, mandatory alcohol counseling, and a 6-month driver’s license suspension.
Not only can these offenses carry harsh penalties, but having a DUI conviction on your record can severely impact your current and future opportunities. A drunk driving history can make it difficult to apply to colleges, obtain scholarships, apply for a loan, or find a job. If you have been accused of drinking and driving while under the age of 21, you need an experienced Oceanside under 21 DUI lawyer who will fight to reduce your charges and clear your name.
Contact Us
At Fischer & Van Thiel, LLP, we understand that a single drinking and driving offense can have drastic consequences for a minor. To learn how our experienced Oceanside under 21 DUI attorneys can help you explore your legal options and prepare your defense, contact us today at 760-722-7646.