Defending Under 21 DUI Offenses
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) is a serious offence no matter what the age of the driver. But, when a driver under the age of 21 is pulled over and suspected of intoxication and the inability to safely operate a motorized vehicle, the driver will face a complicated legal situation. If you or someone you know under 21 has been charged with a DUI, it is important that to seek expert legal council immediately.
According to Tennessee law (TCA 55-10-415) any driver age sixteen (16) or over but under the age of twenty-one (21) may not drive or be in control of a motor vehicle while their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is more than 0.02% or under any intoxicant including marijuana, narcotics or any drugs producing stimulating effects on the central nervous system.
Driving under the influence of any intoxicating substance under the age of 21 is a serious crime. If the driver is sixteen (16) or over but under the age of twenty-one (21) the charge is a Class A misdemeanor and is punishable by one year of driver license suspension and a fine of up to two hundred and fifty dollars ($250). The court may also determine to place additional punishment upon the underage driver through mandatory community service.
Defending Under Age DUI Cases
Although most under age DUI cases are classified as misdemeanors, if you are between the ages of 16 and 20 and are found to be operating a motorized vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%, you may be facing the same charges that an individual over 21 with a DUI faces. The only exception is that the underage driver will only be facing a 24-hour jail sentence for a first offense instead of the minimum 48-hours someone over 21 would be subjected to.
An underage DUI is a serious crime and can negatively affect a minor’s future when they look at getting a job or going to college. At Wilson & Bradley, our team is experienced in underage DUI cases and promises that if there is a way to get the charges lessened or dropped we will find it. With over 20 years of practicing law in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, the attorneys at Wilson & Bradley are experts at developing effective defense strategies for underage DUI cases.
Contact a Murfreesboro DUI Defense Attorney from Wilson & Bradley today at (615) 895-0030 if you have been charged with an underage DUI and want a lawyer you can trust to fight for your rights.
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