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DUI charges can have lasting repercussions for anyone facing them, making consultation with an Atlanta DUI attorney immediately vital in the face of underage DUI accusations. As any criminal defense attorney will tell you, underage DUI convictions can adversely impact college applications, professional job opportunities and even housing options in the future.
Under Georgia’s Zero Tolerance laws, drivers under 21 may be arrested for DUI if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is over 0.02%. Underage DUI arrests are treated as misdemeanor offenses in Georgia and can have devastating lifelong repercussions for any young adult charged.
Underage DUI may also be charged as an aggravated offense depending on the specifics of each case and evidence of injuries or deaths caused to other people by their drinking. When this results in serious harm or fatalities to others, those charged will likely face additional prison time, fines and community service requirements as a result of this crime.
Underage DUI offenders face both the administrative license suspension, which will take place immediately following their arrest, and legal penalties. According to state law, drivers under 21 must give breath or blood samples when requested by police officers for testing purposes – failing which they risk having their license suspended for up to a year.
Underage drivers pulled over for DUI may also face an additional charge in Georgia known as “DUI less safe,” if their blood alcohol content was at or above 0.02% and indicates they were operating their vehicle while impaired.
First offense penalties for underage DUI in Georgia range from $300-$1000 in fines, mandatory attendance in an alcohol education class and performing 20 hours of community service. Furthermore, an ignition interlock device must be installed on their vehicle for six months as part of this requirement.
If an underage DUI results in death or injury to another, its driver can be charged with a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to $50,000. Georgia law defines injuries as disfigurements that prevent full function, body parts rendered useless due to organic brain damage and organs damaged resulting in inability to function normally.
However, an underage DUI conviction can have far-reaching repercussions that will remain with an individual throughout their lives. To best prevent an underage DUI conviction from happening again, seek help from an experienced Alpharetta DUI lawyer like James Yeargan and team of juvenile defense lawyers – they know exactly how to use their knowledge for your advantage! Contact our office now to arrange a consultation appointment – our firm’s mission is protecting rights and futures alike, so call now so that our firm can get you back on the path of living comfortably again!
