In Arizona, as in every other state in the country, the legal drinking age is 21. Along with this, there is a Zero Tolerance Bill in Arizona that means any measurable amount of alcohol in a minor’s system is illegal. This means that a teen would not have to actually be impaired in order to land a DUI charge. This charge could result in penalties that include:
- Detention in a juvenile facility
- Fines
- Driving safety courses
- Community service
- Driver’s license suspension for one to two years
Worse still, a juvenile record could stunt a youth’s future, preventing him or her from finding work or getting into a good school. In some cases, an underage DUI could have further legal consequences if that same person faces an adult DUI charge down the road. The prior underage DUI conviction could mean harsher penalties for the subsequent charge. Would someone charged with an underage DUI be tried as an adult? If a minor is 16 years old or more, he or she could face adult court for a felony charge, so yes, it is possible that a minor could be charged with an adult crime, even in an underage DUI case. But that would be a serious instance, such as if there was an injurious or fatal accident, or if the minor has been convicted of offenses before. No matter the details of the case, an entire future could be on the line. One mistake, either on a minor’s part or the arresting officer’s, should not mean life with a juvenile or adult criminal record. Find out how you may be able to beat an underage DUI charge, or get this charge expunged from your person record, when you call the Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm today! Get your free consultation with a dedicated Phoenix juvenile criminal defense lawyer.
