Pittsburgh Underage-DUI Cases
Pennsylvania attorneys fight for youths accused of drunk driving
Though the legal drinking age in Pennsylvania is 21, people younger than that sometimes consume alcohol and drugs. State law recognizes the potential danger posed by young motorists who might be impaired by holding them to a much tougher legal intoxication standard than older drivers. At Phil DiLucente & Associates, LLC, our Pittsburgh underage-DUI lawyers understand how teenagers and young adults might be mistreated by authorities. Our firm is dedicated to protecting their rights and securing a legal result that minimizes any negative effects on their future.
Zero tolerance laws for drivers under 21 in Pennsylvania
You might have heard that that blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .08 percent or higher means that a driver is legally intoxicated. However, this is not true for younger motorists. Under the state’s zero tolerance standard, someone under 21 can be arrested for DUI in Pennsylvania even if their BAC reading is .02 percent. This means that minimal alcohol consumption — as little as one drink — can trigger a criminal charge.
Penalties for underage DUI convictions in Pittsburgh
An underage DUI conviction is punishable by jail time of between 48 hours and six months, a fine and a 12-to-18-month license suspension. Repeat offenders, as well as individuals whose BAC exceeds .10 percent, face even tougher sanctions. Punishment can be much worse for DUI with an accident or situations where drugs are found within the defendant’s car or truck. You can rely on us to push back against overzealous prosecutors and pursue a favorable outcome. If warranted by the circumstances, we will advocate for probation or another alternative to incarceration.
How underage DUI charges are commonly triggered
A DUI stop might be precipitated when a police officer notices a driver speeding or weaving between lanes. Young people can be vulnerable to targeting by law enforcement because they frequently gather in large groups at campus parties or clubs. In these situations, reasonable suspicion of even the most minor traffic infraction could lead police to stop a vehicle. Traffic violations are common reasons for police officers to pull you over.
Additional charges that often accompany underage DUI
Someone accused of underage DUI might face additional legal challenges. Given that they are below the legal drinking age, a person younger than 21 might face prosecution for possession of alcohol and possibly use of a false identification. Our criminal defense attorneys are dedicated to providing comprehensive representation for young drivers no matter what charges they are facing.
Long-term consequences for young drivers in Allegheny County
Auto insurance costs are already high for young drivers in Allegheny County and other parts of Western Pennsylvania. A DUI conviction can lead to even higher premiums. No matter what the potential sentence might entail, a criminal record can place a heavy burden on a young person, possibly leading to student discipline or the inability to land a desired job. That is why our firm works diligently to help younger clients receive a just result. One potential option is Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD), by which a DUI defendant can avoid a criminal conviction and jail time while accepting accountability through a fine and community service.
Speak with a Pennsylvania underage DUI defense lawyer in a free consultation
Phil DiLucente & Associates, LLC in Pittsburgh defends the rights of young Western Pennsylvania motorists who have been accused of driving under the influence. If you or a family member is facing this charge, you can schedule a free consultation by calling 1.800.GET.PHIL or contacting us online.
