Los Angeles DUI by Age Group: 21 and Under

Los Angeles DUI by Age Group: 21 and Under

Getting arrested for DUI under the age of 21 is serious business in California. The state has zero tolerance for underage drunk driving, and the penalties can be harsh. This article will break down how DUI laws apply to drivers under 21 in LA, and what kind of consequences they may face.

California’s Zero Tolerance Law

For starters, California has something called a “zero tolerance” law when it comes to underage DUIs. What does this mean? Basically, any driver under 21 who is caught operating a vehicle with any amount of alcohol in their system can be arrested and charged with a DUI. The legal limit for drivers 21 and over is 0.08% blood alcohol content (BAC). But for under 21 drivers, there is no wiggle room – even 0.01% BAC is illegal and can lead to a DUI.

This zero tolerance policy applies to both minors (under 18) and young adults ages 18-20. So whether you’re in high school or college, you could face DUI charges if you’ve had even one drink before getting behind the wheel in California.

Now you might be wondering – how can police prove you’ve been drinking if you’re under the legal limit? Well, officers can use breathalyzers and blood tests to detect even tiny amounts of alcohol in your system. They don’t need to prove you’re actually impaired – just that you have any alcohol in your blood or breath.

Penalties for Underage DUIs in Los Angeles

Okay, so what kind of consequences are we talking about here for underage DUIs? Let’s break it down:

License Suspension

For starters, an underage DUI conviction will result in a mandatory driver’s license suspension. Here’s how it works:

• If you’re under 18, you’ll lose your license for 1 year or until you turn 18, whichever is longer.
• If you’re 18-20, your license will be suspended for 1 full year.

In other words, no driving at all for a minimum of 12 months. And you’ll need to re-apply and pay fees to the DMV to get your license reinstated after the suspension period ends. Bummer.

Fines

Underage DUIs also bring hefty fines. We’re talking anywhere from $250 to over $1000 in fines and fees. Ouch! And that doesn’t even include the sky-high cost of insurance once you finally get your license back.

DUI Classes

If convicted, you’ll be required to complete a DUI education program approved by the DMV. Gotta sit through hours of lectures and classes all because of one regrettable night of drinking and driving. Not to mention paying tuition for the privilege.

Possible Jail Time

Now here’s the really scary part – underage DUIs can also result in up to 6 months in county jail in California. Judges have the discretion to hand down jail time, even for first-time offenses. The maximum is higher if you caused an accident or injured someone while driving drunk.

Spending time behind bars is extremely disruptive for someone who’s young and still in school. But it’s a very real possibility, so don’t think it can’t happen to you.

Ignition Interlock Device

In many counties, including LA, judges will require you to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your car. This breathalyzer prevents you from starting the engine until you provide a clean breath sample. And you’ll need to pay monthly rental fees for the IID, which can really add up over time.

Underage DUI Defenses

Fighting an underage DUI charge in Los Angeles takes experience and skill. A knowledgeable attorney will thoroughly examine your case for errors and technicalities that could lead to a dismissal or reduction of charges. Here are some common defenses:

• Illegal traffic stop – If police lacked reasonable suspicion to pull you over, evidence from the invalid stop may be excluded.
• Faulty breathalyzer – Machines can be improperly calibrated or give false positives.
• Mouth alcohol – Breath tests can be skewed by burping, acid reflux, or certain medical conditions.
• No actual driving – You can’t be convicted of DUI without proof you were operating the vehicle.

An attorney may also be able to negotiate a plea bargain, such as pleading to a wet reckless instead of DUI. This carries less severe penalties and avoids a DUI conviction on your record.

Avoiding Underage DUIs in LA

The best way for drivers under 21 to avoid a DUI is simple – don’t drink anything and drive, period. Have your fun, but take an Uber or Lyft home no matter what. It’s just not worth the huge legal headache and consequences.

Educate your friends too. Look out for each other and don’t let anyone drive if there’s even a chance they might be over the zero tolerance limit. Grab their keys if you have to – they’ll thank you later.

And of course, be smart about your alcohol consumption in general if you’re under 21. Don’t binge drink to excess, stay hydrated, and always plan ahead for a safe ride home.

DUIs can happen so easily, especially when you’re young. But with the right precautions, you can enjoy your social life and stay out of legal trouble in LA.

References

Here are the sources cited in this article:

• Los Angeles DUI By Age Group: 21 And Under
• Los Angeles DUI Under 21 License Suspensions
• What Is Considered a DUI For Someone Under the Age of 21 in California?
• DUI Under 21 in California
• California DMV Alcohol and Drugs