Underage DUI: The Zero Tolerance Law

Data found on the total DUI arrests for 2008 show a total of 214,828 DUI arrests in California, and out of those 1,468 were not of the legal drinking age. Under the "Zero Tolerance Law", anyone under the age of 21 with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.01% or more, will be charged with a DUI. Underage drivers with a BAC of 0.05% of greater could be charged with an underage DUI and a regular DUI and is subject to arrest for a DUI. On average, to reach a BAC of 0.01% would mean you would have to drink either one 12 ounce beer, one 4 ounce glass of wine, or one 1.25 ounce of liquor. Most likely any one of these could put you over the 0.01% and closer to 0.05% BAC.

If convicted, drivers under 18 years old will loose their license for one year or until they turn 18 years old. A judge may also choose to confiscate the underage driver's vehicle. In all cases the driver will have to pay fines of several thousand dollars, and attend driver's safety and alcohol abuse related classes. Subsequent convictions will lead to harsher penalties.

An underage DUI is a very serious offense. Our DUI attorneys in Los Angeles e are prepared and experienced in handling many DUI cases and we understand that your freedom is important. If you need assistance with your DUI case.