UNDERAGE DUI/DWI

This can be the most unfair of the DUI/DWI charges.  Many states criminalize the mere consumption of alcohol by minors who drive or set an extremely low Blood Alcohol limit (BAC) for those under 21 (0.02 is a common cutoff).  This low BAC level essentially means a zero tolerance policy for underage drinkers – especially given the margin of machine error.

These states typically have longer driver’s license suspensions for so called under age offenders than those who can legally drink.  However, some states treat an underage DUI/DWI as a different sort of charge that may no necessarily be used to enhance (bump up) a later charge to a higher grade offense.

Be warmed that a few states have mandatory boot camp style programs that underage offenders may be routed into.  So unless you want this extra special treatment, take the charge very seriously.