What Happens to a Minor After a DUI Charge?

 Posted on May 14, 2019 in Underage Drinking

Even though the legal drinking age in the United States is 21 years old, underaged drinking happens all the time. Especially if the minors are not being given proper parental supervision. In Illinois, there is a zero tolerance for underage drinking and driving under the influence . The Illinois Zero Tolerance Law states that anyone under the age of 21 that is caught driving under the influence will lose their driving privileges.

DUI vs. Zero Tolerance Penalties

A driver under the age of 21 who is pulled over for suspected DUI can be issued either a simple DUI charge or a Zero Tolerance charge or both. This decision is made solely by the officer who makes the traffic stop.

The officer makes his or her decision based on the results or refusal of the field sobriety test and the chemical test that is taken on site.

• According to Illinois law, if a person under the age of 21 is charged under the Zero Tolerance Law, they are punished by:
• Suspension of driving privileges for three months for first offenders and one year for second offenders.
• If a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Test is refused, driving privileges are suspended for six months for first offenders and two years for second offenders.

If a person under the age of 21 is charged with a DUI, they are punished by:

• First offense: Driving privileges are revoked for two years.
• Second offense: Driving privileges are revoked for five years.

Illinois law also holds parents responsible for their minor child’s actions. If a minor is charged with a DUI, the parents or guardian or the child can face criminal penalties.

Can my Driving Privileges be Taken Away Even if I’m not Driving?

If you are under the age of 21 and are consuming alcohol, then you are breaking the law. It does not matter if you are driving or not. If you are caught consuming, purchasing, or possessing alcohol then driving privileges can be taken, according to the Zero Tolerance Law.

Penalties are more severe based on a number of offenses:

• First offense: Driving privileges are suspended for six months.
• Second offense: Driving privileges are suspended for one year.
• Subsequent offenses: Driving privileges are revoked.

Contact an Elgin, Illinois DUI Defense Attorney

Underage drinking charges are serious offenses that can have serious consequences if you do not have an experienced attorney on your side. The lawyers of the Law Offices of Brian J. Mirandola can help build a defense to keep you free from DUI convictions. To schedule a free consultation with a Kane County criminal defense attorney, call 847-488-0889.

Source:

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/traffic_safety/DUI/uselose.html