Drinking and driving is incredibly dangerous. This act endangers you, your passengers, other drivers on the road, and pedestrians. Because driving while intoxicated (DWI) is so perilous, the charge carries some steep penalties. Drinking alcohol is illegal under the age of 21 in the United States. This means that if you are caught consuming alcohol and operating a vehicle before you can legally drink, you are breaking multiple laws. This can significantly impact your future. Read on for more information regarding underage DWIs in New Jersey.
What Constitutes an Underage DWI?
For those above 21, a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or above will result in a DWI charge. Because you are not legally allowed to drink under 21, a BAC of .01% will result in a DWI charge.
What are the Penalties of an Underage DWI?
Because driving while intoxicated is so dangerous, you will face serious consequences. Some of the penalties you face may include:
- Mandatory license suspension up to 90 days
- Depending on the situation, a various combination of fines and penalties issued to first-time offenders over 21
- Up to 30 days of mandatory community service
- Hours of participation in the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center
It is important to note that your penalties are dependent upon your BAC and your prior offenses, so any subsequent DWI charges will result in harsher penalties.
What Should I do if I Recieve an Underage DWI Charge?
If you are charged with a DWI, you will want to contact a skilled traffic violations attorney. A DWI can impact you financially, and have a large impact on your future. A dedicated DWI attorney will fight to reduce your charges and lower your penalties.
If you or a loved one has received a DWI in New Jersey, contact our firm immediately to discuss your case. We understand that young people make mistakes and we will explore all possible avenues to ensure that you can lead a successful future.
Contact our Firm
The Law Offices of Richard E. Novak, LLC has over 25 years of experience helping clients through tough times when they need it most. If you need assistance with any intellectual property, traffic violations, or business law matters, our firm is here to help. It is critical that you pick the right attorney who can protect your rights. Contact The Law Offices of Richard E. Novak, LLC for a consultation.