DUI / OUI Under 21 Years Old

Driving under the influence (DUI) or operating under the influence (OUI) is a serious offense, particularly for individuals under 21 years old. Although comprising only 10% of licensed drivers in Pennsylvania, this group experiences a disproportionately high number of DUI incidents.

Pennsylvania has set the legal limit for drivers aged 21 and older at a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% for a DUI charge. However, for individuals under 21, even a BAC of 0.02% can result in a DUI charge. Understanding the consequences of such charges is crucial, as they can have long-lasting effects on your life, including limiting educational and career opportunities.

What You Need to Know

Here’s what you need to know about underage DUI in Pennsylvania and the strict stance the state takes to deter and prevent such offenses:

First Offense

• Jail sentence: Up to 90 days
• Fines: $300 to $500
• License suspension: A BAC level exceeding 0.1% could lead to a 12-month       suspension.

Subsequent Offenses

• Jail sentence: 5 days to 6 months
• Fines: $300 to $2,500
• License suspension: 12 months

Additional Charges

• Arresting officers may press charges for related offenses, including minor in possession, soliciting alcohol, distributing alcohol to other underage individuals, or possession of fake IDs used to obtain alcohol.

• It’s important to note that a conviction for underage DUI creates a permanent criminal record. This can have adverse effects on your insurance premiums and serve as a barrier to future employment opportunities. If you are under 18 years old when convicted, this offense cannot be expunged and will remain on your criminal record indefinitely.

• When facing an underage DUI/OUI charge, it is vital to seek immediate legal representation. Contact a Butler PA criminal attorney with expertise in handling underage DUI cases for the best possible outcome.

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

If you are below the legal drinking age of 21 in Pennsylvania, there are certain activities that are strictly prohibited. You cannot:

• Possess alcohol
• Purchase alcohol
• Attempt to buy alcohol
• Intentionally and knowingly transport alcohol
• Consume alcohol

According to Pennsylvania law, alcohol refers to any malt, liquor, or brewed beverage with an alcohol content of 0.50 percent by volume.

How can a Butler PA DUI Attorney Help You?

I am attorney Sean Logue, and I have specialized in DUI charges and represented numerous clients in underage DUI cases throughout the years. With a 10.0 Avvo rating, I am proud to provide passionate and integrity-driven representation. As a Pennsylvania Super Attorney, I approach each case analytically, carefully examining whether any of your rights as a citizen were violated during the traffic stop. Furthermore, I will ensure independent examination of your blood samples to identify any discrepancies surrounding the prosecution’s case. As an experienced Butler PA DUI lawyer serving the Butler area, I am committed to vigorously defending your rights, challenging the prosecution’s charges, and discrediting any evidence presented in court.

An underage DUI/OUI conviction can significantly impact your child’s future and employment opportunities. It is crucial to mount a strong defense against these charges. I am dedicated to providing you with the necessary legal support and protecting your rights.

Visit my Butler firm for a free consultation with a Butler PA DUI attorney, where we can discuss the details of your case. Please dial (844) PITT-DUI or 412-389-0805, or contact me online.

For legal assistance in the Butler area, including the surrounding counties, as well as Ohio and West Virginia, reach out to Logue Law Group.