Underage DUI can effect your future...your freedom, your ability to drive, your job, and your education.
If you or a family member is under the age of 21 and recently been arrested for a DUI, you have probably just learned the State of Nevada has a Zero Tolerance Law regarding underage DUI offenses. Unlike drivers over the age of 21 where the legal limit for BAC (blood alcohol concentration) is .08% for those underage (under 21 years) the legal limit is .02%. Due to the Zero Tolerance Laws in Nevada the district attorney frequently charges minors with Underage DUI regardless who have any trace amount of alcohol in their blood regardless of the BAC level. This policy may also apply even if the car is parked, and the minor in possession of the keys has been drinking. Nevada law states simply the person needs “to be in actual physical control of the vehicle”.
The penalties for an Underage DUI are typically the similar penalties for a standard DUI. The only difference, besides a lower BAC threshold, is if convicted the minor would be required to submit to an alcohol and drug evaluation as well as face the loss of their license for a minimum of 90 days.
Underage DUI Minors under 18
While an underage driver over the age of consent (18 – 20) arrested for a DUI will be cited with a misdemeanor traffic violation much the way a driver over the age of 21 would be. Minors under the age of 18 are prosecuted in the juvenile court and the DUI is charged as a Felony DUI – a charge that carries more weight and stigma.
Non-Legal Consequences of an Underage DUI
Many schools and universities have their own penalties for students or prospective students who are convicted of a DUI. These consequences on a school level may include suspension, expulsion, disqualification from after school activities and sports as well as having a DUI conviction can cause trouble getting into colleges.
In many cases we have been able to have the charges dismissed completely or reduced the lesser charge of reckless driving. Unlike a DUI charge which will cause a license to be suspended, reckless driving convictions cause +8 demerit points on a DMV record and can be reduced by attending traffic school. Additionally reckless driving records can be sealed from a criminal record in two years as opposed to seven years for a drunk driving.
Our Approach to DUI Defense
We have successfully defended thousands of DUI cases. Beginning with your initial consultation, we will listen to you, we will answer your questions, and begin to build a strategy for the best possible outcome in your case. By the end of this meeting you will have a clear idea of what we can do for you and how we will move forward. With our Reno DUI Law Firm on your side, you will receive unsurpassed legal service and the personalized client care.
We are known for having a passion for the law and how the law can help those in a time of need. This passion is shown in both our extensive knowledge of the law, defense strategies, as well as our compassion towards our clients. It’s our commitment to you, and to all of our clients that truly makes us unique. The people we represent are at the center of what we do and the reason we come to work each day. We are here to get the best possible result for you. If you or a family member has been arrested for or charged with a driving under the influence or other crime, seek the counsel of a Reno Criminal Defense Attorney with experience fighting Nevada DUI related cases it’s time to call an experienced lawyer who can help, call us at (775) 786-5791, because when you need a lawyer – experience matters!
When You Need A Lawyer … Experience Matters
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(775) 786-5791