Understanding California's Zero Tolerance DUI Laws for Minors
In the state of California, lawmakers take underage drinking very seriously. It is for this reason that they have decided to take a "zero tolerance" approach to punishing underage DUI offenders. If an individual under the age of 21 is found guilty of operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.01% or greater, they would be in violation of California's zero tolerance law—which is a civil offense.
Unlike the criminal offense of driving under the influence (DUI), it must only be proven that the minor had consumed some measurable amount of alcohol before getting behind the wheel. The penalties for violating this law would be an automatic suspension of your driver's license for one year or a one-year delay in obtaining your driver's license if you do not already have one.
DUI Infractions for Underage Drivers
Although California upholds a zero tolerance law, a juvenile driver would not face the same penalties associated with a typical DUI offense if their blood-alcohol concentration was measured between 0.05% and 0.07%. Under the law, the individual would be charged with an infraction—which is a crime that is more serious than a civil offense, but one that does not yet constitute a misdemeanor.
For this reason, the offender would not be sentenced to any time in jail. Instead, they would face a $100 fine for a first offense, a $200 fine for a second offense or a $300 fine for a third offense, as well as the same penalties associated with violating California's zero tolerance law. In some cases, the court may also order the offender to complete a three-month alcohol education program before regaining their driving privileges.
BAC of 0.08% or Higher
The misdemeanor offense of driving under the influence (DUI) applies to everyone in the state of California, regardless of their age. For this reason, you would be sentenced to the same penalties as a non-minor driver if you were to be found guilty of operating a vehicle with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08% or greater.
The only difference that would apply for underage offenders is that they may concurrently be penalized for violating California's zero tolerance laws. If convicted of a misdemeanor DUI offense, one could expect to face up to one year in jail, between $390 and $1,000 in fines, three to five years of informal probation, the suspension of their driver's license for six months and enrollment in a court-mandated alcohol education program.
What are the Penalties for an Underage DUI in California?
The potential consequences for a first offense DUI for a minor in California can include the following:
2 days in jail
3 year probation
2 points added to your driving record
Potential job loss
Serious injury to yourself due to an accident
Loss of vehicle if you are in an accident while driving and drinking
Must take a 5-week DUI class as well as 2 DUI impact classes
Required installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on every vehicle you own or drive depending on the county that you live in
What if Alcohol Was Found in My Car?
If a law enforcement officer discovers alcohol in your car, whether you were initially stopped for suspected drunk driving or a completely unrelated reason, you could be charged with the misdemeanor offense of "possession of alcohol in a car." As an individual under the age of 21, you could face a one-year suspension of your driver's license, the impoundment of your vehicle for 30 days, up to six months in jail and a fine of $1,000. If you were also convicted of an underage DUI offense, these penalties would be added on top of the other legal consequences. In some cases, a law enforcement officer will also charge any underage passengers in the vehicle with the same misdemeanor offense. This is just further proof that California's criminal justice system does not give underage offenders any breaks.
Contact Our Solano County Underage DUI Attorneys Today
If you or someone you care about has recently been arrested and charged with a juvenile DUI in California, it is imperative that you act quickly to enlist the help of our Solano County criminal defense attorneys at Maas and Russo.
Not only could you be facing time in jail, but a tarnished criminal record may make it difficult for you to find employment opportunities in the future, as well. For this reason, we encourage you to take steps in the interest of your defense as soon as possible—whether you have been cited for a DUI infraction or a misdemeanor DUI offense.
Addressing Juvenile DUI Concerns in Fairfield and Vallejo
Living in Solano County, particularly in cities like Fairfield and Vallejo, brings unique challenges when it comes to juvenile DUI offenses. The local community is well-aware of the stringent measures enforced by California's zero tolerance laws, but understanding the specific implications for our area can make a significant difference in how these cases are handled.
For instance, the Solano County Sheriff's Office and the Fairfield Police Department are vigilant in monitoring underage drinking and driving. They work closely with local schools and community organizations to educate minors about the severe consequences of DUI offenses. However, despite these efforts, many young drivers still find themselves facing the harsh penalties associated with juvenile DUI.
If you or a loved one is dealing with a juvenile DUI charge in Solano County, don't hesitate to reach out. Our team is ready to provide the guidance and support you need to protect your future.
All you have to do is pick up the phone and call our office at (800) 483-0992 or submit a free case evaluation form online to get started. From there, we will be by your side throughout the entire legal process.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can a minor face jail time for a DUI in California?
Yes, a minor can face jail time for a DUI in California. If a minor was operating
the vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher, the penalties could include jail time.
It's essential for minors in Solano County to understand the potential legal ramifications
of a DUI charge.
How can I prevent my teen from getting a DUI?
While there is no way to prevent your teen from getting a DUI, there are certain
steps you can take to help them avoid one. This involves open communication and education
about the dangers of underage drinking and driving. Discuss the legal consequences
of a juvenile DUI in California, including the impact on their driving record and
future opportunities. Encourage responsible decision-making by promoting alternative
transportation options, such as ridesharing or designated drivers. Additionally,
you can set a good example by being involved in your teen's social activities to
help reinforce the importance of safe driving practices in Solano County.
