Arrested for an Underage DWI/DUI?

College & Underage
DWI/DUI Offense

Have you, your child, or a loved one been arrested for drinking and driving under the legal drinking age? New York laws enact a “zero-tolerance” policy on all drivers under 21 years of age, meaning that anyone under the age of 21 should not be drinking and driving under any circumstances. The penalties for doing so are severe; this is why you should contact a New York DWI/DUI lawyer right away to come to your defense.

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What are the Penalties for Underage DWI/DUI?

Since youths under the age of 21 are prohibited from purchasing or consuming alcohol, it is evident that if they have alcohol in their system, in any quantity, they have broken the law. In response to this, the laws have been adjusted to be stricter when regulating underage drinkers. If an underage person is found to have a blood-alcohol content (BAC) between 0.02% and 0.07%, then they have committed an offense under the Zero Tolerance Law. This is equivalent to only one drink!

These are the potential charges one could face for underage drinking and driving:

While operating a motor vehicle after having consumed alcohol by a person under 21 is not a traffic infraction or a crime; it carries a mandatory six-month license suspension and a civil penalty.

In addition, both DWAI and DWI have enhanced penalties for a person under 21. For example, a conviction for a DWAI, which would typically carry a 90-day license suspension, carries a one-year revocation if the person is under 21. Of course, being convicted of a DWI/DUI before 21 and starting adulthood with a criminal record could have severe and reverberating consequences. It is essential to have aggressive and experienced representation.

The Kugel Law Firm understands that the moment you are arrested, everything changes. Every move you make will be critical to your defense and preserving your rights and your freedoms. Serving people throughout New York, our knowledgeable and experienced DWI/DUI lawyers have helped countless numbers of clients over the years find the resolution they need to overcome even the most serious of DWI/DUI cases.

We can offer legal advice on penalties you might expect, such as:

Underage DUI/DWI?

These are the potential charges one could face for underage drinking and driving:

Driving while ability impaired (DWAI): BAC measures between 0.05% and 0.08%.

Operating a motor vehicle after having consumed alcohol; Under 21 years of age
Driving while intoxicated (DWI): BAC measures 0.08% or higher.

While operating a motor vehicle after having consumed alcohol by a person under 21 is not a traffic infraction or a crime; it carries a mandatory six-month license suspension and a civil penalty.

Alcohol DWAI

For a DWAI specifically for alcohol, the acceptable ranges from $300 to $500. The maximum potential jail sentence is 15 days. Lastly, the driver will have their license suspended for 90 days. Under the zero-tolerance law, the driver has to pay a $125 civil fee and a $100 fee to terminate the suspension. There is no jail time, but the license will be suspended for six months.

Drug DWAI

For a DWAI specifically for drugs, the fine will also range from $500 to $1,000. Again, there is the possibility of a jail sentence, but the maximum is one year. Finally, for a first-time DWAI with drugs, the driver will have their license suspended for at least six months.

If the DWAI is based on a combination of alcohol and drugs, the fine and jail terms are the same, but the driver will have their license revoked for at least six months.

Satisfied Client Reviews

I chose The Kugel Law Firm based on the reviews that are so good that it was a bit suspicious. But make no mistake - they are all well-deserved. No outcome in the court system is guaranteed but Rachel will go out of her way to fight for you. She is a walking encyclopedia when it comes to this stuff and on top of that, she is super friendly and always available to talk and break things down for you. If you've found yourself in the unfortunate situation of a DWI then look no further. I can't imagine anybody better. Thanks Rachel!

Matthew Park

I must admit I didn't think it was anyway I could have gotten around my DUI and REFUSING... I'm glad I chosen the KUGEL LAW FIRM.. (RACHEL)knock it out the park all charges dismissed and 4 other miscellaneous tickets as well. She's who you need worth ever Dollar and more...

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This law firm turned a traumatic experience into a bearable one. Rachel and her staff were very communicative and honest about the process. That meant everything and also made us happy about our favorable outcome.

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At a time when my options were limited to non-existent, I contacted Kugel Law firm. That’s when I met Rachel. I never needed a lawyer before and was unsure of where to start. Rachel and Linda were kind, empathetic, calm and always a phone call away. Thanks to her, my case received the best possible solution. My case was closed, fully dismissed. OVER! I highly recommend her, if you need help. Rachel is the one!

Shana Davis

The level of knowledge, professionalism and service from Kugel Law is fantastic. Unfortunately, I've had experience with a number of firms over the years - Rachel and her team are top notch in comparison. I contacted, and spoke with Rachel, when searching and evaluating counsel for a family member. In a short period of conversation, I was comfortable, at ease and confident in their representation. They took a long view in managing a very difficult situation that ultimately resulted in a reduction of the charges that I never thought possible - a tremendous outcome from tremendous people.

Robert Taylor

Helpful, kind, and had my best interest in mind all the way through. Mrs. Kugel has been extremely generous with her time explaining each step of the process clearly and in easy to understand terms. The Kugel Law Firm delivered results exceeding my high expectations, in other words, completely dismissed.

Aaron Ross

Rachel is a fantastic lawyer and was help to help resolve my DUI with the best poasible outcome. She explained everything to me in detail to help me understand all of my options. Additionally Linda in her office was always extremely responsive and helpful and they were just a pleasure to work with! I am very happy with the outcome of my case and would reccommend Rachel's services to anyone who needs them!

Jennifer Parisi

I’m from California. I didn’t know who to turn too. Don’t know the laws and obviously don’t know the which roads to turn on in NYC. Thankfully I was able to get my DUI dismissed. Moral of the story, don’t drive with any alcohol in your system. Also check out Kugel Law Firm and Rachel and her amazing team if your in trouble.

Alex Moqadam

I never been in a situation where it required a lawyer. So happy I went to the Kugel law firm. Rachel was supportive, honest, and cared more beyond just a check she was receiving from me. She checked up on me without me having to go serve for her. She always explained each outcome and possibilities and made me feel supportive during a horrific situation. Defiantly recommend to have you back and represent you in a case.

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Help from a Lawyer for an Underage DWI/DUI?

A DWI/DUI conviction could potentially jeopardize a youth’s future before it has even begun. It may be challenging to find a job, find scholarships, and even make it difficult to attend college. Our New York-New Jersey DWI/DUI attorneys know how serious this can be, and we do everything in our power to help you. We can fight the battle for you and protect your future and reputation from being tarnished.

Schedule a no-cost, no-risk case consultation with the Leading New York-New Jersey DWI/DUI Law Firm, The Kugel Law Firm.

New York (212) 372-7218 | New Jersey (973) 854-0098