Drinking and driving is never a good idea. Especially for minors who value the freedom to:

·         Drive on a valid driver’s license

·         Have a clear criminal record

·         Keep insurance payments at a minimum

·         Have extra time instead of attending DUI school

These are some of the privileges minors won’t have if they’re caught drinking and driving under 18 in California. What’s more,  is that these consequences are set for  minors  with a blood alcohol count (BAC) measured at as little as 0.01%. This is according to California’s Zero Tolerance  laws.

California DUI Under Age 18 – When Minors Are Tried As Adults for DUI

When the BAC level exceeds 0.05% for an underage DUI offender, charges can be incremented to a  misdemeanor offense. The penalties for this include possible time in jail for even first time offenders.

Having said this, DUI – at whatever age it’s committed, is a serious crime.

There’s also the possibility of probation, enrollment in DUI school, vehicle impoundment, installation of an ignition interlock device, and more.  The penalties all depend on a number of factors including the person’s criminal history, blood alcohol count at the time of an arrest, or if any aggravating factors occurred. Minors under 18 who were caught drinking and driving without a license  will be delayed driving privileges for up to one year.

Legal Defenses California DUI Under Age 18

MacGregor and Collins is based in Orange County, California, and has successfully defended those who were arrested for DUI, both minors and adults. Call (949) 250-6097 to speak to a DUI lawyer now.

Learn more about other California Section Penal Codes here.