Posts Tagged ‘Underage DWI Charges’

What are DWI Charges for Minors?

Posted on May 23, 2012

If a minor (under 21 years of age) operates a vehicle with a BAC above the legal limit it is considered as a DWI offense which is a Class C misdemeanor. There are separate DWI laws for minors driving under the influence of alcohol. While most offenses by minors are treated lightly or mildly, DWI offense is very strict and can lead to severe penalties.

Underage DWI Charges

Underage drinking is a serious offense and if a person is convicted, it can lead to severe consequences like suspension of driving license, fine and imprisonment. Minors can get convicted for DWI offenses if they were arrested operating a vehicle with BAC of 0.02 or more.

According to the DWI laws, if you are arrested for drunk driving, you should allow the police officers to administer Field Sobriety Tests to analyze your situation. If you refuse to do so, then you will have to face consequences such as suspension of your driving license. The duration of the suspension depends on the frequency of the offense. Penalties are lesser if it is your first DWI offense, however they can increase with repeated offenses.

Consequences of a DWI Charge for Minors

If your BAC level is above the legal limit, your driving license will be suspended immediately for a minimum of 60 days. However, if it is around the legal limit, then the driving privilege can be suspended. You can be charged for a DWI even if you have had substance abuse. Moreover, if it is a repeat DWI like a second or third DWI offense, you can face imprisonment of 180 days. You can also be sent for rehabilitation if repeat offense.

If it is your first time DWI minor offense, then your parents need to be present in the hearings. You will have to pay a fine and attend community service anywhere between 20 and 40 hours to spread awareness about prevention of alcohol abuse. You also need to attend alcohol awareness programs. If you fail to do so your license will be suspended for another 6 months. However, if it is your only one conviction then your crime will be removed from the police record after your 21st birthday.

For the second DWI offense, penalties are similar, however, the community service hours will increase accordingly and can be anywhere between 40 and 60 hours. Moreover, your name cannot be removed from the police records and you will be considered as a minor DWI offender. However, DWI laws are very strict for the third time and you will have to pay a fine of up to $2000 with jail time up to 180 days. Depending on the severity of the crime, you may get both fine and jail time along with community service and negative police record that cannot be removed for the rest of your life. You would also not be able to receive any deferred adjudication.

Were you convicted of a DWI charge while you were a minor? What were the consequences that you had to face? Do share your story with us in the comments section below.

Blood Alcohol Content, DWI, DWI Laws, Underage DrinkingNo Comments »BAC DWI charges DWI Law DWI offense Underage DWI Charges