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Underage drivers who are not yet legally allowed to consume alcohol are subject to different drunk driving laws than overage drivers. California follows a “Zero Tolerance” law, which prohibits the existence of any level of alcohol in a driver’s system who is under the age of 21.
These arrests and charges are serious and are best handled by a Los Angeles DUI lawyer who understands the specific laws which apply to underage drivers. At Okabe & Haushalter, our attorneys have the know-how and familiarity with California legislation and case law in order to be effective in underage drinking and driving cases.
In addition to Zero Tolerance laws, other laws apply to underage drinking and driving. This includes California Vehicle Code Section 23140, under which it is an infraction for a driver under 21 to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of .05% or higher. The penalties for this offense will include a mandatory rehabilitation program.
Additionally, a driver under 21 may face regular drunk driving charges, if driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or higher. The driver would face the same penalties as any other driver found driving under the influence, in addition to the penalties imposed under the Zero Tolerance law and Section 23140.
Make sure that you consult a lawyer as soon as possible if you have been arrested for drunk driving. You may face severe penalties, particularly if your blood alcohol concentration was .08% or greater. Even if you think all is lost and that the prosecution has all the evidence they need to convict you, do not lose hope.
Our dedicated and talented firm may still be able to provide you with effective DUI defense representation even in the presence of failed field sobriety tests, failed breath or blood tests, or refused chemical tests. There are a number of options we may explore in deciding how to approach defending your underage charges, and we will be honest in our evaluation of your case.
Accused of underage drinking and driving? Contact Okabe & Haushalter today!
