The State of Pennsylvania takes underage driving under the influence (DUI) charges extremely seriously.
Pennsylvania has an official Zero Tolerance policy when it comes to underage DUI offenses, which penalizes underage drinkers from getting behind the wheel with any trace of alcohol in their system.
Zero Tolerance
If an underage driver is caught with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.02 percent or more, the minor can be convicted of an infraction as a zero-tolerance offense.
Under the state’s “implied consent” laws, minors who are otherwise lawfully detained by law enforcement are required to submit to a breathalyzer or preliminary alcohol screening test. If these tests are refused driving privileges will be automatically suspended for 12 months.
For a free legal consultation, call 215.515.3360
Other Alcohol-Related Offenses
Even if a vehicle is not involved someone under the age of 21 can lose their driving privileges if they are convicted of an alcohol-related offense. A first-time conviction comes with fines, court costs, and a mandatory license suspension. Some of these offenses include:
- Underage Consumption of Alcohol
- Underage Possession of Alcohol
- Underage Transportation of Alcohol
- Underage Purchase or Attempting to Purchase Alcohol
- Possession of False Identification
- Distributing Alcohol to Other Minors
Consequences of An Underage DUI
The penalties can vary depending on a number of factors, described in more detail below, which mainly depend on the driver’s BAC and the number of previous DUI convictions.
Pennsylvania has a 3 tiered system of DUI categories based upon BAC levels. Although the lowest tier specifies a BAC range from .08% to less than .10%, a minor accused of DUI with a BAC as low as .02% is automatically charged under the High Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) tier.
With each DUI offense, the consequences increase.
Underage DUI, First Offense, High BAC tier:
- Ungraded Misdemeanor
- 48 hours to 6 months in jail
- Fines from $500 up to $5,000
- 12 months automatic license suspension
- 1 year of Ignition Interlock
- Alcohol Highway Safety School (AHSS) and all fees associated
- Increased automobile insurance
- Difficulty when applying to Universities
Underage DUI, Second Offense, High BAC tier:
- Ungraded Misdemeanor
- 30 days to 6 months in jail
- Fines from $750 to $5,000
- 12 months automatic license suspension
- 1 year of Ignition Interlock
- AHSS and all fees associated
- Full Drug and Alcohol Assessment
- Increased automobile insurance
- Difficulty when applying to Universities
- Difficulty seeking employment
Underage DUI, Third Offense, High BAC tier:
- Misdemeanor 1
- 90 days to 5 years in jail
- Fines from $1500 to $10,000
- 18 months automatic license suspension
- 1 year of Ignition Interlock
- Full Drug and Alcohol Assessment
- Increased automobile insurance
- Difficulty when applying to Universities
- Difficulty seeking employment
Underage DUI, Fourth Offense, High BAC tier:
- Felony 3
- 1 year to 7 years in jail
- Fines from $1500 to $15,000
- 18 months automatic license suspension
- 1 year of Ignition Interlock
- Full Drug and Alcohol Assessment
- DNA sampling
- Increased automobile insurance
- Difficulty when applying to Universities
- Difficulty seeking employment
For underage DUI charges that fall into the third and highest BAC tier, the consequences are even more severe. This includes higher minimum fines, longer jail time and a felony conviction for a 3rd offense.
Due to the severity and long-term consequences associated with an Underage DUI charge, it is critical to seek high-quality legal representation from a Philadelphia criminal attorney immediately.
Contact the Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC Today
In Pennsylvania, it is essential to have a reliable, qualified attorney by your side when facing Underage DUI charges. At the Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, we have what it takes to assist you during a challenging time by providing quality legal services. For a free consultation call 215-515-3360 today!
