DUI / OUI Under 21 Years Old

Driving under the influence (DUI) or operating under the influence (OUI) is considered a very serious criminal offense, particularly for drivers who are under the age of 21. Even though this younger demographic only makes up roughly 10% of all licensed drivers across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, this specific age group unfortunately accounts for a disproportionately high volume of all reported DUI incidents.

In Pennsylvania, the standard legal limit for adult drivers (those aged 21 and older) is a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% to face DUI charges. However, the law is far stricter for those under 21. If you are underage, registering a BAC of just 0.02% is enough to trigger a DUI charge. It is absolutely vital to comprehend the heavy consequences associated with these charges, as a conviction can create long-term ripples in your life, potentially limiting your future educational prospects and career paths.

What You Need to Know

The Commonwealth maintains a zero-tolerance stance regarding underage impaired driving, enforcing strict statutes designed to prevent these offenses. If you are facing these allegations, here is what you need to understand about underage DUI penalties:

• First Offense: You could face a jail sentence lasting up to 90 days, in addition to fines that range from $300 to $500. While your driver’s license might not be immediately suspended for a standard first offense, if your BAC level was above 0.1%, you are looking at a mandatory 12-month license suspension.
• Second and Subsequent Offenses: The penalties become much more severe for repeat violations. A second conviction can result in jail time ranging from a minimum of 5 days up to six months. This also comes with steeper fines falling between $300 and $2,500. Furthermore, your driving privileges will automatically be suspended for a full 12 months.
• Related Charges: Arresting officers frequently add related charges during the incident, which might include being a minor in possession of alcohol, soliciting alcohol, distributing alcohol to other minors, or the possession of a fake ID used to procure alcohol.
• Permanent Record: Perhaps most critically, a conviction for underage DUI establishes a permanent criminal record. This mark on your history can skyrocket your insurance premiums and act as a significant barrier to securing future employment. Importantly, if you are under 18 at the time of conviction, this offense generally cannot be expunged and will remain on your criminal record indefinitely.

When you are staring down an underage DUI/OUI charge, seeking immediate legal counsel is essential. You should reach out to a Harrisburg DUI attorney who has specific experience handling cases involving minors and young adults.

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

In the state of Pennsylvania, if you have not yet reached the legal drinking age of 21, the law strictly prohibits several specific activities related to alcohol:

• Possessing alcohol in any form
• Purchasing alcohol from any vendor
• Attempting to buy alcohol, even if unsuccessful
• Intentionally and knowingly transporting alcohol in a vehicle
• Consuming alcohol

Under Pennsylvania statutes, “alcohol” is defined as any malt, liquor, or brewed beverage that contains an alcohol content of 0.50 percent or more by volume.

How can a Harrisburg Underage DUI Attorney Help You?

I am Harrisburg DUI attorney Sean Logue, and I specialize in defending against DUI charges. Over the years, I have represented numerous clients facing underage DUI allegations. Holding a 10.0 Avvo rating, I take great pride in offering representation defined by passion and integrity. As a recognized Pennsylvania Super Attorney, I approach every single case with an analytical eye. My first step is often examining whether any of your constitutional rights were violated during the initial traffic stop.

Furthermore, I will arrange for an independent examination of your blood samples to catch any errors or discrepancies in the prosecution’s scientific evidence. As an experienced Harrisburg federal criminal lawyer serving Dauphin County and beyond, I will aggressively defend your rights, challenging the validity of the prosecution’s charges and working to discredit evidence presented in court.

An underage DUI/OUI conviction has the power to significantly derail your child’s future plans and employment opportunities. Therefore, mounting a robust and strategic defense against these allegations is crucial. I am fully committed to providing the necessary legal support to protect your rights and your future.

Visit my team for a free, confidential consultation with a Harrisburg DUI attorney, where we can review the specific details of your situation. Please dial 412-387-6901 or contact me online to get started.

For legal assistance in the Harrisburg area, including the surrounding counties, as well as representation in Ohio and West Virginia, do not hesitate to reach out to Logue Law Group. If you require a Harrisburg federal criminal lawyer, we are here to help.