There are specific laws in California for persons under 21 who are arrested for DUI. As in all DUI cases, a person under the age of 21 charged with a DUI still faces the criminal courts, with potential fines, jail time, alcohol education classes or community service all depending on the facts of the case. However, under California’s “Zero Tolerance” laws, governed by Vehicle Code section 23140, the punishment is more severe for persons under 21, especially with the DMV.

Individuals under 21 face enhanced penalties for DUIs. These include the following:

• Drivers of All Ages - BAC .08% or higher (California Vehicle Code Section 23152) - Driving with a BAC or higher is considered a misdemeanor or felony criminal offense for drivers of all ages, subject to jail time, driver’s license restrictions, fines and community service.
• Drivers Under 21 - BAC .05% or higher (California Vehicle Code Section 23140) – Drivers under 21 may be required to complete mandatory driving under the influence classes and have suspended driver’s licenses for up to one year.
• Drivers Under 21 – BAC .01% or higher (California Vehicle Code Section 23136) - Drivers under 21 with a BAC of .01% or higher may have their drivers’ licenses suspended for up to one year.

Southern California DUI Defense Attorneys

If you are under 21 and have been arrested and charged with a DUI in Southern California, including Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, it is critical you contact and experienced DUI defense attorney in order to provide the best possible defense. By contacting a Southern California DUI defense attorney at once, you can reduce or even eliminate penalties stemming from a DUI charge. Contact The Chahine Law Firm for a free consultation at 1-800-950-7755 to find out how we can help.