Juvenile DUI Lawyer in Media, PA
Underage DUI is strictly prohibited and can ruin a young adult’s life. Minors who are charged with an underage DUI offense can be expected to pay heavy fines, along with other penalties. These charges only apply to individuals who are under the age of 21. Underage DUI driving also falls under the Zero Tolerance Policy, which means that there are stricter rules for minors. Younger individuals can be charged with a DUI for having a BAC of just 0.02%. After the first juvenile DUI charge, it is important to rely on a DUI attorney to help with the situation. Attorneys represent you during the proceedings and help protect you from the long-term consequences of a DUI charge. To find out how your case may be handled, speak to Giribaldi and Manaras for a free consultation.
Types Of Juvenile DUI Offenses
You can be punished for a BAC level of just 0.02% and can receive a stacking offense penalty for each additional offense.
First DUI Offense
After getting charged for a juvenile DUI for the first time, your license will be suspended for 12 months. You may also have to go to jail for anywhere between two to six days. In addition to court fees, you will have to pay a fine between $500 to $5,000. You will also be required to perform community service for 150 hours. Alcohol highway safety school programs will also be required for first offenders.
Second DUI Offense
When charged with a second juvenile DUI offense, your license is suspended for 12 months. Unlike a first offense, an ignition interlock device will be installed on your car. The interlock device has to stay on your car for a year. You have to pay for the device and its removal. You will also go to jail between 30 days and six months. You will have to pay a fine of $750 to $5,000 and court fees. As with a first offense, 150 hours of community service will also be required. You will also have to attend an alcohol safety school program.
Third DUI Offense
If this is your third DUI offense, you can experience an 18-month suspension of your license. An ignition interlock device has to be installed on your car for a year and also must be paid out of pocket. You may also be incarcerated from 90 days to 5 years. Your penalty fine will be between $1,500 and $10,000 in addition to court fees. You will also have to commit to up to 150 hours of community service.
Test Refusal Penalties
Even if your BAC content is low, you can still be penalized at the maximum level if you decide to refuse the chemical test. The DUI conviction penalties and license reinstatement fees can increase because of test refusal.
Underage Drinking Charges
In addition to these penalties, you will also have to submit to underage drinking charges. You can face a fine of up $500 in addition to 90 days of license suspension whether or not you drove. License suspension increases to a year for second and third offenses.
Parental Charges
Parents of minors who’ve been charged with a DUI must also pay a fine if they knowingly allowed their child to imbibe alcohol. The adult guardian has to pay $1,000 for the first offense and $2,500 for the second or third offense.
Car Accident Penalties
If you got into a car accident while DUI, you can receive maximum penalties. This depends on whether anyone was injured or if there were any deaths.
Long-Term Impact Of DUI Penalties
Because you are a minor, you may also be subject to other penalties because of your DUI offense. For example, a school may decide to expel you or refuse your admittance. If your future employers request your criminal record, they may not hire you because of your DUI charge. When you apply for insurance, your car insurance premiums will be more expensive because of your past offenses.
Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition
You can attend an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program to reduce your DUI penalties. Completion of this program can also help you get your DUI conviction taken off your driver’s record so that you aren’t penalized as an adult for your past crimes. This doesn’t apply to anyone who caused an accident where a passenger under the age of 14 got injured.
If you had a prior DUI offense within the last 10 years, you won’t be eligible. You also have to complete a drug and alcohol evaluation, alcohol safety school program, and additional treatment programs to be eligible. This program requires six to 12 months of court supervision and a minimum of 90 days of driver’s license suspension. The other charges will be drastically reduced or dropped.
Consult a DUI Attorney
An attorney will guide and support you during this difficult period of your life. They understand that you are young and make mistakes. They will work hard to protect your rights during your case and will look out for your best interests. For more information, speak to a DUI attorney to find out how to best approach your case. Call Giribaldi and Manaras for a free consultation.