DUI / OUI Under 21 Years Old

Driving under the influence (DUI) or operating under the influence (OUI) is a serious offense, especially for individuals under the age of 21. Even though young drivers make up only 10% of licensed drivers in Pennsylvania, they are responsible for a disproportionately high number of DUI incidents.

Legal BAC Limits for Drivers Under 21 in Pennsylvania

If you’re under 21, the laws are much stricter when it comes to drinking and driving. For drivers aged 21 and above, a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% is the legal limit to incur a DUI charge. However, for those under 21, even a BAC as low as 0.02% can result in a DUI charge. These charges can have long-standing consequences, such as limiting career options or access to educational opportunities.

What You Need to Know

Pennsylvania enforces strict measures to combat underage DUI. Here are the key points to understand:

• First Offense Penalties:
  • Jail term of up to 90 days.
  • Fines ranging from $300 to $500.
  • While a first offense usually doesn’t suspend your license, a BAC above 0.1% could lead to a 12-month license suspension.
• Subsequent Offenses:
  • For a second offense, expect jail time of 5 days to 6 months and fines between $300 and $2,500.
  • Your license will be suspended for a full 12 months.
• Additional Charges:

Arresting officers might also impose related charges, like:

• Minor in possession of alcohol.
• Attempting to solicit or distribute alcohol.
• Possession of fake IDs used for alcohol purchase.

A conviction for underage DUI will create a permanent criminal record. This not only affects future insurance premiums but also creates challenges when looking for jobs. If convicted at under 18 years old, your record cannot be expunged, meaning it will remain permanent within Pennsylvania records.

Facing a DUI charge under 21? It’s critical to act quickly. An experienced Uniontown DUI lawyer can be instrumental in building a robust defense.

Restrictive Alcohol Laws for Those Under 21

If you’re under 21 in Pennsylvania, there are specific legal restrictions related to alcohol:

Prohibited Activities:

• Possessing alcohol.
• Purchasing or attempting to purchase alcohol.
• Transporting alcohol intentionally or knowingly.
• Consuming alcohol.

Under Pennsylvania law, alcohol refers to any malted, brewed, or liquor-based beverage with an alcohol content of 0.5% or more by volume.

How a Uniontown DUI Lawyer Can Help You

Legal implications surrounding underage DUI may feel overwhelming, but you don’t need to face them alone. Our Uniontown criminal lawyer at Logue Law Group, we specialize in defending clients against underage DUI charges across Uniontown and Fayette County.

I am attorney Sean Logue, recognized for handling countless DUI cases with passionate and integrity-driven representation. With a 10.0 rating on Avvo and the distinction of being a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer, I meticulously examine every case to identify potential rights violations during the traffic stop and ensure the independent examination of your blood test results.

Here’s how we work to protect your rights and future:

• Careful assessment of whether proper procedures were followed by law enforcement.
• Challenging blood alcohol test results to uncover errors or inaccuracies.
• Demanding the dismissal of prosecution evidence that doesn’t hold up in court.

An underage DUI conviction can have life-altering impacts. From affecting your career to limiting higher education opportunities, the consequences can be severe. That’s why mounting an effective defense is absolutely critical.

Contact Uniontown DUI Lawyer at Logue Law Group for immediate assistance at (844) PITT-DUI or reach out to us online to schedule your free consultation. We proudly serve Uniontown, Fayette County, and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania, as well as Ohio and West Virginia.