Underage DUI In Riverside
Underage DUI in Riverside
What Happens to Minors Under 21 When Convicted of DUI?
California is a “zero tolerance” state when it comes to underage drinking and driving, so if you or a loved one has been arrested for DUI in Riverside and aren’t yet 21, there’s a different additional set of penalties to contend with.
The DMV Will Suspend or Delay Your License
First, the administrative process that the DMV oversees is different for minors. While an adult DUI may result in a suspension or restriction of license, if you are convicted of underage drinking and driving, the DMV will suspend your license for a year, or, if you don’t yet have a license, institute a one-year delay. Further, minors aren’t subject to the .08 BAC rule. Because they aren’t of legal drinking age, California’s “zero tolerance” guidelines mean that a BAC of .01 is sufficient to trigger this charge.
The DMV process is a civil matter, and isn’t administered by the criminal court. To fight the charges, you or your DUI lawyer must contact the DMV within 10 days of your arrest.
Under 21 with a BAC of .05-.07
This charge is an “infraction,” and carries no risk of jail time (that’s the good news). But, if you’re a minor convicted of drinking and driving with a BAC of .05-.07, you will have to pay fines (starting at $100 for a first conviction), as well as lose your license for a year, complete at least a three-month alcohol education program before your license can be reinstated, and you may be ordered to participate in a “Youthful Drunk Driving Visitation Program,” where you’ll travel to places like the Emergency Room, the Coroner’s Office, or a chemical dependency rehabilitation center to see the impact of DUI, alcoholism, and drug abuse. You’ll be ordered by the court to abstain from alcohol entirely until you’re 21, and from illegal drugs.
Misdemeanor DUI in California
Regardless of your age, if you’re caught behind the wheel with a blood alcohol limit of 0.08 or higher, you’ll be charged with DUI. If you’re under 21, being convicted of DUI means that you’re convicted of all of the above charges, as well as the DUI penalties that adults face, including:
- 3-5 years of probation
- Up to $1000 in fines
- Mandatory court-approved alcohol class
- A six month driver’s license suspension
If you have alcohol in your car, or other minor passengers in your car have alcohol, you’ll also be charged with “possession of alcohol in a car,” which carries penalties including:
- Impounding your car for up to a month
- A minimum one-year license suspension
- Up to six months in county jail
- Up to $1000 in fines
- Requirement to report your conviction on college and employment applications.
Your chances of a successful resolution, minimized penalties, or even acquittal are greatly improved when you hire an experienced Riverside DUI attorney who can carefully examine the charges and the circumstances of your case. Your stress levels will also be helped when you have a knowledgeable attorney on your team to answer your questions and tell you what to expect.
When you’re ready for help with your under-21 DUI in Riverside, call the Law Offices of Graham Donath, day or night, at 951-667-5293.