Under 21 DWI Charges
No matter at what age, criminal accusations of driving while ability impaired by alcohol is a very serious legal threat to your freedom and record. Drivers under the age of 21 who are found to have any amount of alcohol in their system can be charged with underage DUI. Many underage drivers receive penalties far worse than necessary by failing to enlist the services of a skilled lawyer who knows the criminal court process and how to get the most out of it.
All throughout the United States it is against the law to purchase, steal or consume alcohol for any person under the age of 21. When a person is found with alcohol in their possession or caught using a fake I.D. to buy alcohol, they may be in serious trouble with the law. Even harsher penalties are ahead for an underage high school or college age individual who chooses to consume alcohol and then get behind the wheel of a vehicle. If your child has been charged with driving while intoxicated, you will immediately need to talk to a New York City criminal defense lawyer to find out the proper steps to take.
Underage Drinking & DWI Statistics
Facing drunk driving charges as a minor or under the age of 21 is very serious; the ramifications of a conviction can hold lifelong consequences on a person convicted of DWI before their 21st birthday. In some cases, a person can even face similar charges for consuming alcohol and sitting in the driver's seat of a motor vehicle. While the penalties associated with an underage DWI charge can be harsh, they are in place to help protect and prevent our youth from engaging in this type of activity.
Underage individuals may not face jail or prison penalties in the event of a conviction, but that does not mean their penalties will be light. Convicted offenders can lose their license for 6 months to 1 full year with extensive fines and other fees imposed both by law enforcement and the New York DMV. These penalties may seem light in comparison to a felony DWI, for example, but the consequences can be disastrous when an individual is suddenly without the use of their vehicle, or cannot afford to pay bills because of fines, administrative and court costs.
Get Support for Underage DUI Defense
According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 11,700 people were killed in the year 2008 due to alcohol-impaired driving accidents, which accounted for nearly one third of all traffic-related fatalities that year. With motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of death for 15 to 20 year olds, it is no wonder that the law is designed to prevent these drivers from consuming alcohol and getting behind the wheel of a vehicle.
While it is true that underage DUI is a serious offense, we believe that everyone deserves a defense, as is their right under the constitution, as well as a second chance. Perez and Cedeño, P.C. has a proud history of working with underage individuals charged with DUI who may have made a simple mistake, or were charged without actually being guilty of the crime.
Our firm seeks to uncover the truth and the evidence that helps our clients to avoid facing the harsh penalties they may otherwise be subject to without the support of a skilled lawyer. We are fully dedicated to representing your defense to the most favorable outcome as possible, and may be able to minimize the penalties you face or even see your charges eliminated entirely.