Underage DUI in Georgia

May 24, 2013 (Press-News.org) Underage DUI in Georgia

Article provided by Thomas A. Camp, P.C
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The end of the school year is finally upon us. Students are getting ready to work their summer jobs, and making plans to visit with family and friends. Before heading off to wherever they may be spending the summer, many students will decide to have one last celebration prior to leaving town.

If these parties serve alcohol, there could be potential problems for individuals under the age of 21. Georgia has long been concerned with some of the dangers of underage drinking, especially in a college town such as Athens. Bars and restaurants face significant penalties if caught serving minors.

Additionally, hosts that provided the alcohol to the minors could find themselves in legal trouble. If those under age 21 drink alcohol and then drive, there could be substantial penalties for underage DUI.

Georgia is a zero tolerance state, which means that it has special rules in place that deal specifically with those drivers under age 21 who are under the influence of alcohol. As most people know, drivers 21 and older can be charged with DUI if their blood-alcohol contents (BAC) are 0.08 or higher. Motorists under 21 could be facing driving under the influence charges if their BACs are 0.02 or higher.

If charged with DUI, there are a range of penalties that underage offenders may be facing. If the underage motorist had a BAC of 0.08 or higher, he or she may be required to serve at least one day in jail. Those motorists convicted of underage DUI will also lose their driving privileges for a certain period of time.

Repeat underage DUI offenders will see these penalties substantially increase. This includes more time in jail, and longer license suspensions. They will also be required to complete community service as part of their sentences. In some circumstances, they may even be forced to forfeit their vehicles as well.

If you or a loved one has been charged with drinking and driving, you need to take steps to protect yourself as soon as possible. It is important that you understand that you do have rights, and you can offer a strong defense to these accusations.

Speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney about your case to learn more about the options that are available to you. Because the consequences for a DUI conviction are so severe, you need to be sure that you are aware of the penalties that you are facing. Later offenses may increase the penalties that can be imposed, so you need to take these charges very seriously.