DUI Charges for Juveniles in Georgia

DUI Charges for Juveniles in Georgia

Getting charged with a DUI as a juvenile in Georgia can be really scary. The laws are super strict and the consequences can totally derail your life. This article will walk you through everything you need to know if you or someone you care about gets charged with underage DUI in GA.

What is the Legal Drinking Age in Georgia?

The legal drinking age in Georgia is 21. That means it’s against the law for anyone under 21 to buy, possess, or drink alcohol. Seems obvious but it’s important to remember that just having booze in your system or in your car if you’re under 21 is illegal, even if you aren’t driving.

What is the BAC Limit for Underage Drivers in GA?

For adults over 21, the legal BAC limit for DUI in Georgia is 0.08%. But for underage drivers, there is basically a zero tolerance policy. If you are under 21 and drive with a BAC of just 0.02% or higher, you can be charged with DUI. That’s like one beer or one shot!

What are the Penalties for Underage DUI in Georgia?

Underage DUI penalties in GA are harsh, even for a first offense. Expect to face:

• Up to 1 year in jail
• Fine of at least $300
• Mandatory license suspension – 6 months for BAC of 0.02-0.08%, 12 months for BAC of 0.08%+ or refusal to test
• Community service
• Probation and regular drug/alcohol testing
• Completion of DUI school and substance abuse counseling

The punishments get worse if you get additional DUIs before turning 21. And your license will get suspended for longer too.

What Happens if I’m Under 17?

If you’re under 17 and get charged with underage DUI, your case will be handled in juvenile court instead of regular criminal court. The main difference is you don’t have a right to a jury trial in juvenile court. Instead, a judge will decide if you’re “delinquent” rather than convicting you of a crime.

You can still face all the same punishments as older teens though – jail time, fines, license suspension, etc. The record of your case will also still follow you as an adult in many cases.

Can I Get a Limited Driving Permit After a Suspension?

If you’re over 21, you may be able to get a limited permit that allows you to drive to school or work after a DUI suspension. But there is no limited permit available for underage drivers under 21 in Georgia. If your license gets suspended, you won’t be allowed to drive at all until the suspension period ends.

How Does a DUI Affect My Criminal Record?

A DUI conviction stays on your criminal record permanently. For underage offenders in juvenile court, you may be able to get your juvenile record sealed eventually. But Georgia law says DUIs can’t be sealed until at least 5 years after your case ends and all sentencing requirements are completed.

So basically expect your underage DUI to follow you for a long time. It will show up on background checks for colleges, apartments, jobs, etc. Be prepared to explain the incident and show how you’ve learned from your mistake.

What Should I Do if I’m Charged with Underage DUI?

If you or your child gets charged with underage DUI in Georgia, here are some tips:

• Get a lawyer! An experienced DUI attorney can help minimize penalties and build the strongest defense.
• Be respectful to police but don’t admit guilt or agree to any tests.
• Gather evidence like receipts showing you weren’t drinking or bar surveillance footage.
• Take the charges very seriously and show the court you’re accepting responsibility.
• Ask your lawyer about applying for first offender status to keep the DUI off your record.
• Complete all probation terms and required programs – no shortcuts.

A DUI charge as a juvenile can really take over your life for awhile. The consequences are no joke. But with smart legal strategies and showing maturity, you can get through it without completely sabotaging your future goals.

The most important thing is learning from the experience. Never drink and drive again. And be super careful about underage drinking so you don’t end up in this situation again.