New Jersey Underage DUI Defense Lawyers
Underage Drinking and DUI
Some may consider underage drinking harmless fun, but the state of New Jersey takes it seriously. Teens and young adults accused of drinking or even possessing alcohol before they turn 21 face a fine, loss of their driver's licenses, alcohol classes or treatment, community service and sometimes even jail. Thanks to a new state law, teens who refuse to give a breath sample to law enforcement are subject to even harsher penalties, even if they weren't driving and regardless of how much alcohol they have consumed. And a teen who is caught driving with any amount of alcohol in his or her blood faces additional penalties.
Under state law, it's a misdemeanor for people under 21 to knowingly possess or consume alcohol in public, at private businesses, in school or in a motor vehicle. That offense is punishable by a fine of at least $500. But if the offense happened in a motor vehicle, teens can expect to lose their driver's licenses for six months. Teens who don't yet have a driver's license won't be able to get one until six months after they would otherwise have been eligible. Those who drive on a suspended license face additional fines of $500 or more, as well as additional license suspension time. And thanks to a new law, minors who refuse a breath test, even if they were not driving, are subject to the same breath test refusal penalties that apply to a DWI, including a longer license suspension, more fines and additional license surcharges.
Unlike adults, minors in New Jersey may not operate a motor vehicle with any alcohol in their blood at all. If they do, they may be prosecuted for an adult DWI -- regardless of whether they were over the legal limit for adults -- or for an underage DWI in New Jersey. Penalties for underage DWI include a driver's license suspension or postponement of 30 to 90 days; 15 to 30 days of community service; and alcohol education classes. Adult DWI comes with fines of up to $1,000, at least seven months of license suspension, alcohol classes through the intoxicated drivers resource center and possible jail time. And of course, these are in addition to a misdemeanor charge of underage alcohol possession and all of its penalties, as well as the increase in auto insurance rates and future motor vehicle commission insurance surcharges that attaches to any DWI.
If your child has been charged with an underage drinking violation, you may be upset, angry and concerned about his or her future. Lependorf & Silverstein can help. We are an experienced New Jersey criminal defense law firm with years of experience helping juvenile offenders stay on the right track and out of the justice system. Because we have practiced law in New Jersey for 15 years, we understand the complexities and important differences in the juvenile justice system. We promise to give your family the best representation possible. And because we offer free, no-obligation consultations, there's no risk in speaking with one of our experienced Princeton New Jersey underage drinking defense attorneys about your child's rights and case.
If someone you love has been accused of juvenile crimes in New Jersey, contact Lependorf & Silverstein today for a free consultation.