Minors Charged with DUIs in Prince George’s County

Being accused of driving under the influence could be stressful, especially if underage. The process may also be a foreign experience as it may be the first interaction with law enforcement. Minors charged with DUIs in Prince George’s County could contact a talented attorney as soon as possible to help avoid further penalties. Reach out to a Prince Geoge’s County DUI lawyer as soon as possible that could begin working on you or your child’s case.

Laws Concerning Minors Charged With DUIs

For any minor who is driving, the legal limit is a blood alcohol content of 0.02. There may be a bit of allowance because some medications may have alcohol in it. If a minor gets a DUI, they could face additional charges. They could be charged with violation of restriction, as those under 21 cannot have any alcohol in their system. Those who are 16 or 17 driving with a 0.04 may be charged with not only a DUI but this violation.

The Process of a DUI Charge for Someone Under 21

In a DUI/DWI case, someone under the age of 18 could expect that the juvenile courts could be involved, which are held differently than criminal cases. DUIs are criminal in nature and they could carry up to one year of incarceration. Although these cases could be held in juvenile court, minors charged with DUIs in Prince George’s County could be moved to the adult courts in some instances.

These cases may be handled differently compared to a standard DUI because a juvenile is not found guilty or innocent. In the juvenile courts, it is more about rehabilitation as opposed to punishment. They may be more aggressive probation conditions and supervision, but the charge may not remain on their record, as juvenile records are sealed.

Prosecution’s Treatment of Minor DUIs

They may be pursued aggressively in PG County because the prosecution may want the minors to learn from their mistakes. The prosecutors and judges do not want not the person to have an any further incidents and may go towards a harsher punishment to discourage driving under the influence.

Cases of a minor DUI may be more treatment-oriented than punitive. The main focus for minors charged with DUIs in Prince George’s County may be about education and treatment as opposed to punishment.

Minor Sentencing Versus Adult Sentencing

Minors may be found delinquent or could be placed on probation without a full delinquency finding, depending on many moving variables. A juvenile system involves more work, but the benefit may be that it may not follow them through their adult life.

Contacting a Prince George’s County DUI Attorney

It may be important to tell individuals who are under 18 after they have gotten a DUI that they have the opportunity go to trial if they want to. If there is some illegality on behalf of the police, or if the evidence is weak, a trial may not be necessary. Minors charged with DUIs in Prince George’s County could contact a driven DUI attorney to learn more about the process and defend their future. Call today for a free consultation.