Minneapolis Underage DUI Lawyer

The law prevents anyone under the age of 21 from consuming alcohol. In Minneapolis, there is also a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to minors driving under the influence. Any trace of alcohol in their system can lead to an arrest if they are caught behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.

The consequences of a conviction can be serious, but a dedicated defense lawyer could help fight you back. The seasoned DUI attorneys at our firm use an aggressive approach to help ensure a favorable outcome following an arrest. Let a Minneapolis underage DUI lawyer help you get the results you deserve.

Understanding Underage Drinking Laws

In Minnesota, adults face possible arrest and conviction for driving under the influence if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is at .08 or higher, allowing motorists some room for error when they drive home after an evening out. However, given that drinking any amount of alcohol is illegal for minors, this leeway does not extend to them.

If a driver under the age of 21 has a BAC above .0, they may face underage charges. It is important to note that younger drivers could also be arrested for a standard DUI offense if their BAC is over the legal limit of .08. In that scenario, they could face the same penalties as adults, which includes up to a year in jail.

There are also penalties that come with refusing to submit to a blood, breath, or urine test. Any driver, regardless of age, could lose their license for a year if they decline to give a sample when under suspicion of driving under the influence.

These cases are frequently coupled with other criminal offenses. For example, a minor who is caught operating a vehicle while under the influence may also be in possession of drugs or alcohol. Additional charges might include soliciting alcohol or the possession of a fake ID. An underage DUI attorney in Minneapolis could help fight against any of these charges based on the specifics of the case.

Penalties for a Conviction

Violating these laws may result in a misdemeanor, but the specifics depend on the age of the accused. In most cases, a person under the age of 18 will go through the juvenile justice system, with the exception of someone over the age of 16 with a BAC over .08. While incarceration is possible in juvenile court, these offenders are more likely to face fines and community service.

When it comes to traditional DUI convictions, a 16 or 17-year-old is treated like an adult. Typically, a conviction will result in a maximum fine of $1,000 and jail for up to 90 days. However, it is uncommon for anyone to be sentenced to additional jail time in these cases, barring prior offenses. There is also a 90-day license suspension, which increases to 180 days for multiple convictions. A Minneapolis underage DUI attorney could help build a winning defense strategy to avoid convictions altogether.

Speak With an Underage DUI Attorney in Minneapolis Right Away

If you or a loved one has been charged with driving under the influence, your choice of attorney is important. The right approach could lessen the consequences or even result in the case against you being dropped entirely. Reach out to a Minneapolis underage DUI lawyer today to learn more.