People make mistakes behind the wheel of motor vehicles every day, and young drivers are no different. Unfortunately, some of these mistakes can be costly. If a teenager or young adult decides to get behind the wheel after drinking, they might face steep penalties and legal consequences.
When you or a loved one are charged or arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), you should remember that you still have options for minimizing the impact of this event on your future. There are often viable defenses to a DUI arrest, and a compassionate criminal attorney can help you take whichever approach is best for you based on your goals and priorities. Our firm understands that mistakes happen. Let a Woodstock DUI lawyer be your ally and provide support and guidance through your situation.
For drivers aged 21 or over, the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration is .08 grams. Any driver at or above that level could face an arrest for DUI per se. The threshold for younger drivers is much lower. When it comes to motorists under the age of 21, the legal BAC limit is .02. This is a purposefully strict limit, as a young driver can often reach this threshold by consuming even a small amount of alcohol. Additionally, the individual may not even be impaired at these levels as a 0.02 BAC can result from certain medications or over-the-counter products, including mouthwash or cough medicine.
Regardless of the driver’s age, law enforcement can charge driving under the influence in two ways: DUI per se or DUI less safe, also known as impairment DUI. DUI per se is usually the charge when an individual submits to chemical testing, such as a breathalyzer, urine, or blood test, and the results are over the per se limit for the person’s age. Typically, prosecutors will charge both versions of DUI when they have a per se test result.
Police usually charge DUI less safe when the person they stop on potential DUI charges does not submit to the chemical testing used to establish blood alcohol levels but exhibits behavior that implies impairment. Regardless of whether a young person is facing these charges because of a poor decision or is arrested in error, our dedicated Woodstock DUI attorneys believe everyone should have a fair opportunity to have the best future they can.
The penalties for a DUI can vary depending on multiple factors. For instance, a driver’s criminal history often significantly impacts the outcome. Being arrested for a first-time DUI already carries serious consequences like license suspensions, jail time, and a permanent criminal record that affects multiple aspects of a young person’s future. Facing an arrest for a second time can increase these terms.
Additionally, the driver’s age will play a role in their potential penalties. Drivers who are 21 and over, may face harsher consequences. Motorists under 17 will have their cases heard in juvenile court, where the judge will typically focus on rehabilitative efforts versus punitive ones. Individuals who are 17 or over, but under the legal drinking age will have their cases adjudicated in adult court and face penalties related to an underage DUI conviction.
A knowledgeable Woodstock attorney can further explain the potential penalties for a DUI during a consultation. It is important to work with an attorney who is knowledgeable regarding the nuances in DUI cases.
When you or your loved one is arrested for driving under the influence, it is important to remember that one mistake does not have to define your future. The right strategy for your situation depends on your history, the details surrounding your arrest, and your goals. A Woodstock DUI lawyer can help you evaluate these factors and empower you to choose the approach that best suits your needs. Reach out today to speak with our team to determine if working together is the right fit for everyone.
Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm
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