Tag Archives: Underage Drinking lawyer

Advice for Parents Whose Kids Drive Drunk

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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.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
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Indiana Has a Zero Tolerance Law for Underage Drinking

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Underage Drinking Lawyer 317-636-7514

Underage Drinking Lawyer 317-636-7514

Teenagers face peer pressure every day. Whether on television, in the movies, at school, or among friends, teens are constantly influenced by what they see and hear around them. As a minor, one of the most common influences at this age is alcohol. It can be easy for them to give in to the adolescent theory that underage drinking is acceptable and there are no real consequences to worry about. But in Indiana, this is far from the truth.

There are real consequences to underage drinking in various aspects of life, including the law. Indiana retains a Zero Tolerance Law against underage drinking, so parents and guardians should do their best to educate their pre-teens on these laws to protect them from making dangerous choices with their peers.

Continue reading to learn more about the Indiana Zero Tolerance Law, and who to call if your teenager is facing criminal charges for underage drinking in Indianapolis.

Underage Drinking in Indiana

Teenagers under the age of 17 who are caught committing an alcohol-related offense will be tried in the juvenile court system. Consequences for possessing, consuming, purchasing, or transporting alcohol under the age of 18 generally include fines, restitution, probation, community service, substance abuse treatment, drug screening, victim impact panels, alcohol and drug education courses, counseling, and more.

Teenagers are not the only ones subject to criminal consequences for underage drinking. In Indiana, an individual must be 21 years of age to lawfully purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. For those who are 18, 19, and 20 years old, this can feel quite trivial since there doesn’t seem to be much separating them from lawful drinkers except a year or two of age. But the reality is, the law is the law, and underage drinking is set at a certain limit to protect people. Even if you are a few months away from being 21 years old, it is still against the law to consume, possess, transport, and purchase alcohol. And if you are caught, the legal consequences are worse than if you were 15 years old.

Defendants over the age of 18 can be charged with a Class C Misdemeanor, which is punishable by a $500 fine, 1 year license suspension, and up to 60 days in jail. Additional consequences may apply too, depending on priors, enhancements, and jurisdiction. That is why it is vital to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer to represent your case. They have the experience, knowledge, and resources to help you avoid the maximum penalties for your criminal charges.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense Law Firm

David E. Lewis Criminal Defense Attorney

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law 317-636-7514

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 for aggressive and experienced criminal defense in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our law firm offers free initial consultations to discuss the best strategies for defense against your criminal charges. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule your consultation with a trusted Indianapolis criminal lawyer, today.