Georgia Teenage DUI

Despite the nationally enforced legal drinking age of 21, thousands of teens are charged with Georgia teenage DUI each year—and with the state’s zero tolerance policy on underage drinking and driving, it doesn’t take much for that to happen. To prevent this from happening to you, it is important to familiarize yourself with the state’s underage drinking and driving laws, including the strict penalties associated with a conviction.

Officers often use chemical testing to determine a driver’s level of intoxication (blood, urine, or breath tests). These tests are used to calculate the amount of alcohol present in a person’s bloodstream—a measurement known as blood alcohol content, or BAC. Georgia, like other states, prohibits anyone from operating a vehicle with a BAC 0.08% or higher. Anyone who is caught driving with a BAC above this limit can therefore be arrested and charged with DUI.

It is important to know that the .08% BAC limit only applies to drivers who are legally allowed to consume alcohol. Drivers under 21, on the other hand, must adhere to a much lower BAC limit of 0.02%. As a result, this means they can be charged with driving under the influence if a chemical test shows they have even a small amount of alcohol in their system.

If your BAC is above 0.02%, but below 0.08%, you will most likely be charged with underage DUI. However, if your blood alcohol content is 0.08% or higher, you may be charged with underage drinking and driving, as well as a “standard” DUI offense. 

The penalties for a Georgia teenage DUI conviction include up to 20 hours of community service, a six-month license suspension, and any additional penalties the judge deems necessary. You should also keep in mind that you may be unable to obtain a restricted driver’s license until you turn 21.

A DUI conviction will also wreak havoc on your future long after you have completed the terms of your sentence. The charge will remain on your criminal record indefinitely, which means anyone who checks your background will find out you were found guilty of drunk driving. This can seriously impact your eligibility for many jobs, housing programs, and educational opportunities.

Your insurance rates will also be affected by your criminal history. Once your insurer learns you were convicted of driving under the influence, you can expect to pay far more for your policy. In fact, it’s not uncommon for companies to deny convicted DUI offenders coverage altogether.

With so much at stake, you deserve to have legal representation by your side when your day in court arrives. As one of the most experience DUI defense firms in the state, the Law Offices of Webb and Wallace provide the skilled defense you need during this stressful time. From reducing your charges to getting them dismissed entirely, we are committed to helping you obtain the best possible outcome in court.

Don’t let one mistake threaten your future. Contact attorneys Lee Webb and Greg Willis today to put their experience to work for you. With round-the-clock availability by phone, text, email, and Facebook, there’s no better time than now to discuss your case.

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