Zero Tolerance: California Takes Hard Line On Underage DUI

Overview The state of California is taking an increasingly hard line stance on underage

drinking and driving. A young driver convicted of DUI can now face jail time, license suspension, vehicle confiscation and fines. A DUI also carries a harsh social stigma and may hurt college and career opportunities. Young people facing DUI charges need the help of an experienced DUI attorney to help mitigate the potentially disastrous consequences of an underage DUI.

State Has Strict Standard For Underage DUI

The state of California sets a very strict standard for determining whether an underage driver is impaired by alcohol. • The blood alcohol content an adult must have to

be considered DUI is .08. • The blood alcohol content a driver under the

age of 21 must have to be considered DUI is .01. • Underage drivers with a BAC of .05 or greater

can face an underage DUI charge and a regular DUI charge.

It Doesn’t Take Much It takes very little alcohol to result in a .01 BAC. You can reach this level of blood alcohol content after: • A single 12-ounce beer • One four-ounce glass of wine • Just 1.25-ounce of liquor

Consequences Of Underage DUI

• One year mandatory license suspension. • Subsequent convictions can lead to longer

suspensions. • Possible jail time. • Mandatory anti-DUI classes. • Thousands of dollars in fines.

Non-Legal Consequences Of Underage DUI

In addition to jail time, fines and license suspension, a DUI can also carry other consequences, such as: - Rejection of college application. - Having to describe your DUI conviction on

job resumes. - Loss of scholarship or suspension from

school. - Conditional acceptance to colleges, such as

restrictions on your activities and ability to have a car on campus.

If You Are Arrested • Be polite. • Keep your hands visible. • Don’t resist. • Don’t threaten the officer with a

complaint. • Avoid making comments on the

arrest or circumstances leading up to the arrest.

• Make note of the officer’s badge number and name.

• Contact an attorney ASAP.

How An Attorney Can Help

An experienced attorney like Barry T. Simmons can help clients facing underage DUI charges by: • Ensuring police followed proper

procedure in the arrest. • Challenging evidence collected by

authorities. • Advocating for a reduced sentence or

smaller penalties.

About The Law Office Of Barry T. Simons

The Law Office of Barry T. Simons specializes in DUI defense. Our skilled attorneys have vast experience in fighting both the prosecution and DMV and are often successful in protecting our clients’ driving privileges as well as their freedom. Our founder, Barry T. Simons, has nearly 40 years experience in cases related to driving under the influence and is one of California’s most respected DUI attorneys. We can provide: • DUI alcohol • DUI drugs • DUI prescription medication • DUI with prior convictions • DUI with accidents & injuries • DUI manslaughter and murder • DUI zero tolerance - juveniles • License suspensions For more information, visit http://www.duilawyerorangecounty.com