February 4, 2015
It is no mystery that a large percentage of teenagers consume alcohol. In fact, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, more than 70 percent of adolescents will have consumed alcohol by the time they are 18 years old. What is worse is that nearly 5,000 people under the age of 21 die annually from alcohol-related incidents. Driving under the influence is a serious charge, and if your underage son or daughter is charged with a DUI, the consequences could be dire.
Teen DUI Laws in Florida
Teens are subject to different DUI laws than those who are 21 years of age or older. For a person of legal drinking age, the limit for drinking and driving is 0.08 percent blood alcohol content or BAC. However, for teenagers, the law is 0.02 percent or higher rather than 0.08 percent.
What are the Consequences?
If your teenage son or daughter has been arrested for driving under the influence, the consequences can be harsh. Although the consequences will vary by state, the punishments for teen DUIs are generally harsher than those for adult DUIs. Teens caught driving with alcohol in their system face penalties for both driving under the influence and underage drinking. Besides these consequences, here are some of the other penalties teens can face if applicable:
- Driving Under the Influence
- Underage Drinking
- Violation of Child Endangerment Laws
- Possession of Alcohol
- Possession of a Fake ID
- Soliciting Alcohol From an Adult
- Giving Alcohol to Other Minors
- Charges for Damages to Others/Property
When to Call an Attorney
If you teenage son or daughter is facing DUI charges, contact an experienced attorney right away. Teen DUI convictions carry harsh penalties that could alter your child’s life for years to come. At the Khonsari Law Group, we can guide you and your child through this difficult and trying time. By working with you and your son or daughter, we can develop an appropriate legal strategy and defend your child’s rights. To learn more about the Khonsari Law Group and how we can help you or your loved one, contact us today or schedule a free consultation here.