Skilled Defense For Underage DWI
In Minnesota, the legal drinking age is 21 years. This means that anyone consuming alcohol under the age of 21 is breaking the law. The only exception would be if the individual obtained the permission of their legal guardian. However, the standards for underage DWI are much harsher than adult DWI, and the punishment can be just as severe. This is because so many alcohol-related automobile accidents are caused by underage drinking.
If you are the legal guardian of a minor who has been charged with a DWI, or you have been charged, know that there are still opportunities to fight the charges and reach a favorable outcome. Your first step is to contact a Minneapolis & St. Paul DWI lawyer to guide you along the way.
Understanding Underage DWI Charges
There are many other charges that can stem from underage drinking, and it is not impossible that you could be charged with more than one offense. Some charges include distributing alcohol to others under the legal drinking age, soliciting alcohol, putting your passengers in danger by driving while under the influence, and other moving violations. Possession of a fake ID used to purchase alcohol can tack even more charges on.
Having an experienced Minnesota DWI lawyer on your case is a necessity, as there are so many factors involved. For example, if your blood alcohol level is below .08 percent, and this is your first drunk driving conviction, you could get out of it with as little as a 30-day suspension of your license. However, BAC and any previous convictions can certainly work against you. Depending on these factors, you could be facing thousands of dollars in fines, a license suspension of up to a year, and 90 days in jail.
Your Path To A Fair Result
While there are laws in place that make it harder for a minor to get their license back after a DWI conviction, such laws teach lessons and help minors to avoid future DWI charges. Vanessa’s Law includes strict requirements including waiting to get their license back, waiting to get their permit, having to re-take their driving test, and paying a number of fines.
Your Minneapolis & St. Paul DWI lawyer should work hard to fight for your best outcome, regardless of the facts surrounding your case. Jennifer Speas will make it her goal to bring about the best possible result for your situation. She will guide you every step of the way, and be there to answer any questions or concerns that you may have.
Contact A Minneapolis DWI Lawyer
If you are the parent or guardian of a minor charged with DWI, or you have been charged yourself, knowing and understanding your rights could make all the difference. Underage DWI is taken very seriously in the court system. To find out more about how the Speas Law Firm, P.A., can help you reach a positive outcome for your case, call 612-284-1463 for an initial consultation.