Advice for Parents Whose Kids Drive Drunk

Teens are known to experiment with alcohol, but some wind up making some brash and dangerous decisions that can end in devastating consequences. We are talking about drunk driving. If you are the parent of a teen or minor adult who has a history of alcohol usage, and you know they have operated a vehicle under the influence in the past, you should know what to do in the case of a DUI arrest since you will likely be the first call they make from jail.

Continue reading to learn which steps to take after your teenager is pulled over drunk, and arrested for a DUI in Indiana.

Underage Drinking DUI Lawyer 317-636-7514
Underage Drinking DUI Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Get to Know the Zero Tolerance Law in Indiana

In all states, any minor that is caught operating a motorized vehicle, including motorcycles and ATV’s, with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.02% or higher, will immediately be subjected to drivers’ license suspension. Furthermore, all states have adopted the Zero Tolerance Law, which means it is strictly illegal for minors to drive a vehicle after drinking alcohol, no matter how little the quantity imbibed. Although adults can legally operate a vehicle with a bold alcohol content of 0.07% or lower, there is simply no tolerance for those under the legal drinking age.

Even if your minor was not driving, they can still be arrested for a DUI if they are in the front seat of a vehicle and the keys are in the ignition. The car does not have to be on for a drunk driving arrest to be made. If your minor refuses a breathalyzer, they will be arrested and penalized, even if they are not exhibiting any signs of intoxication.

Common Penalties for Minor DUI Convictions

Minors, including those 18 years old to 20 years old, will be penalized according to state judicial schedule if caught operating a vehicle with alcohol in their systems. One penalty that is guaranteed: immediate suspension of drivers’ license. Additional penalties that are common and possible include restitution for any property damages caused by drunk driving, fines, jail, probation, house arrest, ignition lock system on steering wheel of car, community service, victim impact panels, substance abuse treatment programs, alcohol education courses, school orders, and counseling.

Criminal Record Expungement for Minors

If your minor driver is arrested on drunk driving charges in Indiana, you will need a criminal defense lawyer who can protect them from the maximum penalties for their charges, and petition for criminal record expungement. Upon eligibility, your teenager might be able to have their DUI arrest and conviction sealed or expunged from their criminal record. A skilled Indiana DUI defense lawyer can build your loved one an impactful defense to dismiss or reduce their charges and penalties, and move forward with petitioning for expungement or record sealing.

Indianapolis Indiana Drunk Driving Criminal Defense for Minors

Call the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to learn how your teen can beat their Indiana DUI charges with aggressive criminal defense. Attorney David E. Lewis is your solution to reducing or dismissing their sentence, and thus, protecting their future freedoms. If you want them to avoid the maximum penalties for a drunk driving conviction, it is important to let our skilled legal teams build an impactful defense that will sway the decision of the courts. We provide free initial consultations, so you do not have to pay anything to simply talk to a lawyer for trusted advice. Schedule an online, over-the-phone, or in-office appointment, today.

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