When a minor decides to drive after drinking alcohol, they can face some long-term legal problems. That’s because the courts take DUI offenses seriously since drivers are inexperienced. Therefore, impairment can turn driving into a dangerous, if not fatal, situation.
If your teen is pulled over for underage drinking, it’s best to contact a DUI attorney to review strategies for their defense and to ensure their rights are protected.
License Suspension
One of the most immediate and harsh penalties for a DUI minor is suspension of driving privileges. For a first-time offense where BAC is between 0.02 and 0.07 percent, the young driver will lose their license for 6 months. This low BAC threshold is because of the zero-tolerance approach to underage drinking and driving since any amount of alcohol can impair a new driver.
The suspension is longer when BAC is 0.08 percent or higher because the offense is more serious. The law is strict on test refusal, with an automatic one-year suspension for any minor who refuses to take a breath test when asked by law enforcement. This administrative penalty applies even if the minor is not convicted of DUI and is a significant deterrent to not cooperating with police investigations.
For those who re-offend, the suspension periods become even longer. These longer suspensions recognize that repeat offenses are a pattern of behavior that needs more intense intervention. During the suspension period, young drivers find their daily lives significantly impacted, as they must rely on others to get to school, work, and social activities.
Key Takeaways
- The most immediate and harsh penalty for an underage DUI is the suspension of driving privileges.
- For a first offense with a BAC between 0.02 and 0.07 percent, a young driver will lose their license for 6 months due to the zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving.
- At 0.08 percent BAC or higher, the suspension is even longer, and refusing a breath test results in an automatic 1-year suspension, even without a DUI conviction.
- Repeat offenses lead to even longer suspensions, significantly impacting a young driver’s daily life.
- Anyone facing allegations needs to speak with a DUI defense attorney immediately.
Financial Penalties

The financial consequences of an underage DUI conviction can be substantial. Courts can impose fines from $500 to $2,000, and convicted minors will also face higher insurance premiums for several years, adding to the family’s financial burden. A DUI lawyer can work to minimize the costs of a DUI charge whenever possible.
Key Takeaways
- The financial consequences of an underage DUI conviction can be harsh on young offenders and their families.
- Courts can impose fines from $500 to $2,000, depending on the BAC level and whether it’s a repeat offense.
- These fines are similar to those imposed on adult offenders because the offense is serious regardless of the driver’s age.
- Beyond the initial fines, convicted minors will face more financial burdens. These can include higher insurance premiums, which can last years after conviction.
- Parents with insurance policies for their minor children will bear this extra cost, adding to the family’s financial stress beyond the immediate court-imposed penalties.
- It is worth the cost of hiring a DUI attorney to defend against the charges.
Community Service
Courts often include community service as part of the sentence for underage DUI offenders. This gives young offenders a constructive way to make amends to their community and opportunities for personal growth and reflection. The number of service hours varies. Many work with organizations that deal directly with the consequences of impaired driving.
Key Takeaways
- Courts often include community service as part of the sentence for underage DUI offenders. This part of the penalty serves multiple purposes: it gives young offenders a constructive way to make amends to their community, opportunities for personal growth and reflection, and a consequence that’s not just punitive.
- The number of service hours varies by individual circumstances, but the experience can be transformative for young offenders. Many work with organizations that deal directly with the consequences of impaired driving, like rehabilitation centers or victim advocacy groups. This direct exposure to the impact of their actions can be a significant deterrent to future offenses.
Jail Time
While the justice system aims to rehabilitate young offenders, jail time is possible for minors with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher, mainly if accidents or injuries occur. Second offenses can cause up to 1 year of jail time, significantly impacting education, employment, and personal development.
Key Takeaways
- While the justice system aims to rehabilitate rather than punish young offenders, there are situations where jail time is possible. Minors with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher can face jail time, especially if they were involved in accidents, injuries, or other aggravating circumstances.
- Second offenses get even harsher penalties with possible jail time up to 1 year.
- Jail time is perhaps the most serious consequence for young offenders and their families.
- Even short periods of detention can significantly affect education, employment, and personal development during the formative years. This harsh penalty shows how society views the decision to drink and drive.
- To keep your child at home, consult a DUI lawyer as soon as possible.
Other Penalties and Requirements
Vehicle impoundment is another possible consequence, taking away the reason for the crime. This penalty can affect the whole family, especially in households where drivers share vehicles. The inconvenience and cost of impoundment cause frustration and upset for more than just the offender.
Probation periods often come with other penalties, requiring young offenders to keep a clean record and meet certain conditions to avoid more severe consequences. These conditions usually include regular check-ins with probation officers, mandatory drug and alcohol testing, and compliance with all court-ordered programs and restrictions.
Technology-Based Monitoring
Installing ignition interlock devices is one of the more modern ways to prevent repeat offenses. These devices require drivers to provide alcohol-free breath samples before their vehicle starts, a technological barrier to impaired driving. While traditionally used for adult offenders, courts are now ordering these devices for minors in cases of high BAC or repeat offenses.
Long-Term Consequences
An underage DUI conviction can have long-term consequences, affecting college applications, job prospects, and career paths. Military service and professional licensing may also be limited. Insurance premiums will increase, and future driving privileges may be restricted.
Impact on Insurance and Future Driving Privileges
Insurance companies usually respond to underage DUI convictions with significant premium increases, sometimes for several years after the offense. Some may even refuse to cover it, forcing families to get high-risk insurance at a much higher cost. These financial consequences can linger even after other penalties are served.
Future driving privileges may still be restricted even after the license is reinstated. These may include nighttime driving restrictions, passenger restrictions, or the requirement to keep a clean record for extended periods. These restrictions recognize that young drivers who have committed DUI offenses need additional supervision to ensure public safety.
Supporting Young Offenders
Despite the harshness of underage DUI penalties, the end goal is the rehabilitation and successful reintegration of young offenders into society. Support services, counseling, and mentoring programs can help young people learn from their mistakes and develop judgment and decision-making skills to avoid repeating the same mistakes.
Punishment and rehabilitation show society’s twofold interest in public safety and young people’s development into responsible adults. Success in preventing repeat offenses often lies in getting young offenders to reflect on their actions and giving them the tools and strategies to make better choices in the future.
Speak to a DUI Lawyer Now
If you are the parent of a teen who has been charged with DUI, speak to a DUI attorney right away. Legal help is the best solution if you want to go forward more positively. Arrange a consultation now.