Charges stemming from drunk driving allegations can have serious repercussions, especially if you are under the age of 21. As a young driver, a drunk driving case could upend various facets of your life, negatively impacting your studies and job, as well as your relationships with family members and friends. Moreover, your record could haunt you years later.
There are various factors to remember with respect to underage drunk driving charges. For example, drivers under 21 can face these allegations even though they consumed a small amount of alcohol, and courts impose a number of different penalties.
Underage drunk driving and BAC levels
The New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety reports that in this state, drivers under the age of 21 can face serious penalties if found driving with any amount of detectable alcohol in their system. While older drivers face charges if their BAC level is .08 or higher, drivers under 21 can face penalties if their BAC level is .01 or higher.
With the legal limit set so low, some young drivers face false allegations of driving drunk. Sometimes, young drivers do not understand how even consuming an extremely small amount of alcohol can lead to devastating challenges.
The penalties for underage drunk driving
If charged with drunk driving as someone under 21, you could have to perform up to 30 days of community service, lose your driving privileges for as long as 90 days and take part in a program regarding alcohol and traffic safety.
With immediate concerns in front of you and potential long-term consequences, it is pivotal to approach underage drunk driving charges cautiously.