California Does Not Tolerate Underage DUI

Although no state in America condones underage DUI, California is known for taking a tougher stance on underage drinking.

If you are convicted of underage DUI in the state, you could face serious criminal penalties. California has a "Zero Tolerance Law" under which anyone who is arrested for drinking and driving under the age of 21, with a blood alcohol content of 0.01%, will automatically be charged with DUI. Those underage drinkers who are found to have a BAC of 0.05 or greater can be charged with both underage DUI as well as regular DUI.

You may be wondering just how much alcohol can lead to a BAC of 0.01%? When you drink a 4-ounce glass of wine, a 12-ounce beer or a 1.25-ounce glass of liquor, you may have a BAC of 0.01%, enough to get you arrested for underage DUI.

Those underage drinkers who are arrested for DUI may not only find themselves behind bars, but may also lose their license for one year or until their 18th birthday, whichever period is longer.

Underage drinking can lead to lasting consequences, which is why charges should be contested if possible. Contact our legal team to discuss your defense options with an Orange County DUI attorney.