Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) – Juvenile

Driving while intoxicated while a juvenile, which is sometimes called underage DWI, is a serious offense that can have long term consequences for the individual. Anyone under the age of 21 cannot have any signs of having consumed alcohol and be in control of a motor vehicle in most states. This is a zero tolerance policy put in place to protect everyone on the road. About 6.4 percent of all drivers in the USA are between the ages of 16 and 20, but they account for 12% of all road related deaths, a disproportionate ratio based on the inexperience and lack of understanding of the results of drinking and driving.

Fines And Penalties

Typically for most juveniles the courts try to focus on prevention and awareness rather than on punishments that may have a huge long term impact on an individual's life. While jail is an option and can be ordered if injuries or death occurred, typically probation, community service, alcohol and drug awareness classes and probation combined with hefty fines plus court costs are more common.

Traffic Points And Impact On Driving Record / License

Even for a juvenile convicted of a DWI, there is the possibility of the charge being on their permanent criminal and driving record. This will impact the individual's ability to find employment in many cases, and typically a suspension of the license will be a part of the consequences, perhaps even leading to loss of current employment or ability to use private transportation for school.

Hiring A Lawyer

In many cases with a first offense DWI by a juvenile an attorney can work to have the charges reduced to a less significant charge and may also be able to protect the juvenile's record from being entered as an adult record. This will also help to keep insurance costs down and prevent carriers from dropping coverage. Attorneys can also work with the court for alternative sentencing options to juvenile detention.