DUI / OUI Under 21 Years Old

Did you know that driving under the influence (DUI) or operating under the influence (OUI) can have serious consequences? This is especially true for individuals under 21 years old. Although they only make up 10% of licensed drivers in Pennsylvania, this group experiences a disproportionately high number of DUI incidents.

In Pennsylvania, the legal limit for drivers aged 21 and older is a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% to be charged with a DUI. However, for individuals under 21, even a BAC of 0.02% can result in a DUI charge. It’s important to understand the implications of such charges, as they can have long-lasting effects on your life, limiting educational and career opportunities.

What You Need to Know

Here’s what you need to know about underage DUI:

• Strict Laws: Pennsylvania takes underage DUI seriously and has implemented stringent laws to deter and prevent such offenses.

• First Offense: If it’s your first offense, you may face a jail sentence of up to 90 days and fines ranging from $300 to $500. While your license may not be suspended initially, a BAC level exceeding 0.1% could lead to a 12-month suspension.

• Subsequent Offenses: Subsequent offenses carry even more severe penalties. A second offense can result in a jail sentence ranging from 5 days to six months, along with fines between $300 and $2500. Additionally, your license will be suspended for 12 months.

• Related Offenses: Arresting officers may also press charges for related offenses, such as minor in possession, soliciting alcohol, distributing alcohol to other underage individuals, or possession of fake IDs used to obtain alcohol.

• Permanent Consequences: A conviction for underage DUI creates a permanent criminal record. This can adversely impact your insurance premiums and serve as a barrier to future employment opportunities. Importantly, if you are under 18 years old when convicted, this offense cannot be expunged and will remain on your criminal record indefinitely.

What You Cannot do in Pennsylvania if You are Under 21:

Are you under 21 in Pennsylvania? Here’s what you need to know about activities that are strictly off-limits:

• Possessing alcohol
• Purchasing alcohol
• Attempting to buy alcohol
• Intentionally and knowingly transporting alcohol
• Consuming alcohol

Remember, by law, alcohol in Pennsylvania includes malt, liquor, or brewed beverages with an alcohol content of 0.50 percent by volume.

How can a Washington PA DUI Attorney Help You?

But don’t worry, if you find yourself in an underage DUI situation in Washington, I’ve got your back. I’m Sean Logue, an experienced and passionate Washington PA DUI attorney. With a 10.0 Avvo rating and a dedication to integrity, I’ve represented numerous clients in underage DUI cases. I’ll examine every detail, from potential rights violations during a traffic stop to scrutinizing the blood samples used against you.

An underage DUI/OUI conviction can seriously impact your future, even your job prospects. That’s why mounting a strong defense is crucial. I’m here to provide the legal support you need and protect your rights.

Get in touch with me for a free consultation at my Washington firm. We’ll discuss your case in detail. Dial (844) PITT-DUI or 412-389-0805, or reach me online.

If you’re in the Washington area, surrounding counties, or even Ohio and West Virginia, you can count on the Logue Law Group for top-notch legal assistance.