Underage drinking is an offense that people typically prefer to brush off and attribute to “kids being kids,” but what happens when those kids get behind the wheel?
An underage DUI is an entirely different ball game than standard DUI charges. It is a very serious alcohol related traffic offense, and it has the potential to impact the rest of the driver’s life. At The Farrish Law Firm, L.P.A., we understand the severity of this charge, and are on your side. We don’t think that one mistake as an underage driver should have the power to affect freedoms for years to come.
If you or someone you know is facing an underage DUI charge in Cincinnati, Ohio, or any surrounding areas, it is vital that you contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. The state of Ohio’s stance on underage drinking and driving is very strict, so it is nearly impossible to navigate this territory on your own. But you don’t have to go through this overwhelming experience by yourself.
If you’re facing underage drinking and driving charges, our goal is to get you back out on the road with a renewed sense of responsibility as soon as possible. That means getting nose-to-nose with the truth of the matter, and not keeping you in the dark about any part of the process.
Our primary concern is what is in your best interest.
That being said, here are some facts that you should know when you start looking into the consequences of an underage DUI charge according to the Ohio Revised Code:
- Legal limit for anyone under 21 is 0.02% BAC.
- It is classified as a fourth degree misdemeanor.
- A class six suspension of the offender’s driver’s license will be imposed for up to 2 years.
- Fines will accumulate up to $250.
- Jail time can reach 30 days.
- License suspension can range from months to 2 years.
- This charge has the potential to impact higher education and employment opportunities.
If you or your loved one has been arrested for drinking and driving, while under the age of 21, please contact our Cincinnati, Ohio DUI defense law office today. We’re dedicated to fighting for families just like yours. You don’t need to figure this all out on your own; let us fight for you.
Ohio Punishes Underage Drinking
Ohio’s response to the large prevalence of underage drinking is quite strict, and the consequences aren’t the same as adult drinking and driving or disorderly conduct charges. In fact, in Ohio, the consequences of underage drinking and driving are tailored more toward life-change than punishment.
The decisions made when drinking as an underage person can be debilitating. The Farrish Law Firm, L.P.A. witnesses firsthand the devastating consequences that underage drinking can cause to victims and their families. The National Underage Drinking Statistics are staggering:
- Each year, underage drinking causes about 4,300 deaths.
- Around 2,000 underage drinkers die each year behind the wheel.
- 74% of underage DUI fatalities happened because they were not wearing their seat belt.
- 1 in 6 teens binge drink, while only 1 in 100 parents believe their child binge drinks.
- Youth drinking is directly correlated to adult drinking – children of binge drinking parents are twice as likely to binge drink.
- Car accidents are the number one killer of teens in the United States.
What Other Charges are Associated with an Underage DUI?
Often, when people under the age of 21 are consuming alcohol and choosing to get behind the wheel, they break multiple laws on their way to that point. So, along with the fines, suspensions, and possible jail time that are only related to the underage DUI, there are a number of additional charges that can be associated with the first offense. The other charges that can be closely related to underage DUI are:
- Child endangerment law violation (Did a parent or legal guardian provide the alcohol to the minor?)
- Distributing alcohol to other minors (Were there multiple underage people in the vehicle?)
- Unrestrained driver or passengers (What other violations did the arresting officer notice?)
- Minor in possession (Is there still alcohol in or near the vehicle?)
- Possession of a fake ID (Did the driver lie to get the alcohol?)
Even if this was your violation, it is crucial to speak with an experienced Cincinnati, OH DUI lawyer, and quickly.
Where do Parents fit into Underage Drinking Charges?
Many times the parents or guardians are still responsible for the underage driver’s insurance. It’s possible for insurance companies to completely terminate a policy after an underage DUI charge, but most companies just increase the cost of the monthly premium. The higher risk policy can sometimes conservatively mean an increase of more than $1000 dollars on a year. The DMV will also need to be involved with the reinstatement of the underage driver’s suspended license to prove insurability.
It’s also important to mention that parents who permit alcohol consumption in the home may be subject to misdemeanor charges if that minor is later charged with underage DUI.
If you or someone you know has been charged with an underage DUI in Cincinnati, Ohio, contact us immediately. This is not something that you should have to go through alone, and that’s what we are here for.
We have an excellent reputation as respected DUI defense attorneys in the Cincinnati area, and we encourage you to test that claim out yourself. This time can be scary and intimidating, but we know that you have a lot at stake and our goal is to protect your rights. We are for you.
Call today for a free consultation, where you can ask your questions and make decisions based on what you think will be best for your situation. We answer our phones 24 hours a day because you are worth our time.
