Georgia’s DUI laws have special provisions that apply to drivers who are under the age of 21. Under Georgia statute, a person 21 or younger may be charged with a DUI if their blood alcohol concentration is .02 or higher within three hours of operating a motor vehicle.
This threshold is significantly lower than the .08 threshold that applies to most adult drivers. As a result, even a small amount of alcohol can lead to DUI charges for teenagers and young adults.
Consequences of Underage DUIs
If you or your child are facing underage DUI charges, it is important to understand the full spectrum of consequences that could apply. Underage DUI charges can lead to criminal penalties, suspension of a driver’s license, and court-imposed requirements like alcohol risk reduction classes. The exact consequences imposed will depend on the circumstances of your DUI, but they can have long-term impacts on your educational and professional opportunities.
Guidance for Young Drivers
Underage drivers should understand that a DUI charge does not automatically establish guilt. If there were issues in the testing procedures that law enforcement used to obtain your blood alcohol concentration, or the circumstances of your traffic stop were problematic, you may have grounds for challenging your DUI charge.
At Village Counsel Law Firm, our experienced Georgia DUI defense attorney, Omar A. Cooper, can help assess the circumstances of your arrest, evaluate the evidence, and provide practical legal advice on how best to handle your DUI charges. We help young drivers and their parents understand the legal process and make informed decisions about how to proceed. For more information, contact us today.