In the state of Florida, you can be arrested if you’re caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more. For people under the age of 21, that number drops to 0.02%. It might sound excessive, but protecting the lives of young people is more important than allowing people to drive after having a few drinks. Here’s a closer look at the penalties for people who are caught drunk driving under the age of 21.
What are the penalties for an underage DUI?
Typically, people under the age of 21 who are charged with a DUI lose their driving privileges. If you’re under 21 and have a BAC of 0.02% or more, you can expect to lose your license for up to six months. If you’re under 18 at the time, you’ll lose your license for six months and be required to enroll in a drunk driving educational program.
The punishments are more severe for minors who are caught with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. You could lose your license for up to a year and be forced to pay up to $1,000 in fines. You might also have to spend up to six months in jail and perform fifty hours of community service. Going to jail for a year can derail your entire life as a young adult, so avoid putting yourself in situations where you might end up driving under the influence.
Who can help you with a DUI charge?
Contrary to popular belief, a DUI charge isn’t an open-and-shut case. An attorney might be able to argue for a more constructive penalty like drug treatment or educational programs instead of jail time. If you have previous arrests on your record, they might be able to help you avoid a lengthy jail sentence.
