Underage DUI

Norfolk DUI Lawyer

In the state of Virginia, drinking and driving offenses are commonly referred to DWI and DUI, which are often used interchangeably. Under Section18.2-266, no person can "drive or operate any motor vehicle" while under the influence of alcohol or any drug that impairs one's ability to drive safely.

Underage DUI is covered under §18.2-266.1, which states that no person under the age of 21 years may operate a motor vehicle after illegally consuming alcohol. In Virginia, a person younger than 21 years of age is in violation of the law if they have a breath or blood alcohol content of .02% or greater.

Penalties for Underage DUI

If you are arrested for an underage DUI, you are subject to an immediate administrative suspension of your driver's license before trial. On a first offense, the administrative suspension of your driver's license will be for seven days.

A law enforcement official serves the offender notice of the suspension immediately and confiscates the driver's license that was issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. An underage DUI is not a true DUI but it does carry the same consequences; it is sometimes called a "Baby DUI."

If someone is found guilty of driving with a BAC of .02% or higher, they are guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is punishable by a minimum mandatory fine of $500 or 50 hours of community service and a 12 month driver's license suspension with the possibility of receiving restricted driving privileges.