Underage DUI

Youth often comes with a sense of invincibility and a thirst for adrenaline. However, getting behind the wheel while influenced by drugs or alcohol can shatter that illusion in an instant. Young drivers sometimes make mistakes that put themselves and others at serious risk on the road. In Pennsylvania, driving under the influence (DUI) while under the age of 21 is treated as a grave offense with significant legal repercussions.

Because the stakes are so high for your future, securing legal assistance is crucial. You need a dedicated Waynesburg DUI attorney to help navigate this legal maze and minimize the long-term impact on your life.

The legal drinking age in Pennsylvania is 21. Regrettably, the number of DUI incidents involving drivers under this age threshold remains concerning. These cases require a specific approach—one that balances legal rigor with an understanding that a young person’s entire future is on the line. No young adult wants to carry the heavy burden of a criminal record for the rest of their life.

Therefore, the attorney managing these charges must not only possess a deep understanding of the law but also handle the situation with the necessary compassion and care. At Mountaineer Criminal Law Group, our team of experts is ready to aggressively defend your rights. Contact a Waynesburg criminal lawyer today to discuss how we can work toward a favorable outcome for your case.

Potential Penalties for Underage DUI in Pennsylvania

Sean Logue is recognized as a Waynesburg DUI attorney in the region, having successfully represented numerous clients in DUI trials. With his extensive background in criminal defense, he has advocated for clients across various district courts. If you are seeking a legal professional with the right experience to handle your case, Sean Logue is the name to trust when you need to mitigate the penalties associated with underage DUI.

Underage DUI charges carry legal punishments, but the consequences often extend beyond the courtroom, potentially affecting a student’s standing in school or university. This is why you need a trusted advocate to fight your case with diligence and aggression.

• Fines: First-time offenders with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level of .02% or higher generally face fines ranging from substantial monetary penalties depending on the specific circumstances and local statutes.
• License Suspension: One of the most disruptive consequences is the revocation or suspension of driving privileges. For underage drivers, a license suspension of 90 days or more is common.
• Ignition Interlock Device: In some scenarios, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device as an alternative to, or in addition to, suspension. This device requires a breath sample before the car will start.
• Costs: The financial burden is heavy. Between the cost of the interlock device, court fees, bail fees, and fines, the expenses can skyrocket rapidly.

To avoid these severe hassles and financial drains, hiring a Waynesburg DUI attorney is your best course of action.

Expunging an Underage DUI Record

For residents dealing with a first-time offense, there may be an opportunity to have the incident removed from your record, provided certain conditions are met, often through programs like ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition). Typically, this option is more accessible if the BAC level was relatively low. However, if the BAC was significantly high or if there was an accident involved, the prosecution may push back, and the potential punishments are likely to be more severe.

Call Us for Help

Has your child or a loved one been arrested or charged with an underage DUI? It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed by the legal system and confused about what steps to take next. When you turn to Mountaineer Criminal Law Group, you benefit from our vast range of experience in handling complex DUI cases and working toward successful dismissals or reduced charges.

Don’t face this alone. Visit us or call (304) 381-3656 today for a free initial consultation with a Waynesburg criminal lawyer.