Teen DUI Offenses (under the age of 18)

Teenagers, especially boys, often have a difficult time taking things seriously when it comes to their personal lives. With underage drinking and driving, it’s critical to make the seriousness of a DUI charge clear to the young driver as well as make certain the DUI does as little damage as possible to the teen’s future.

For the help you need, call toll free 1-866-367-3847 today.

Complications with Underage Drinking and Driving

DUI charges are particularly complicated where a teen driver or minor is involved. In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to consume alcohol under the age of 21. DUI defendants between the ages of 18 and 21 are treated as adult offenders; however, their legal limit is reduced to .02 percent BAC. DUI offenders under the age of 18 are treated as “juvenile offenders” and their cases are handled under the Juvenile Justice System and not the Adult Court System.

  • Young people often have problems with authority figures. Where an adult will politely agree to field sobriety testing, a teen might “lip off” or refuse. This can have drastic consequences in court.
  • A teen may try to deal with the problem on their own rather than involve parents or seek legal counsel until it is too late.

I can work with teens. I’m a father myself and appreciate the enthusiasm and drive that young people have, as well as their occasional lapses of good judgment. A lot of the difficulties teens have with authority figures come from fear of doing something wrong or “giving themselves away.” When you contact us for your FREE consultation and evaluation, I can assure you that everything will be done to gain the best possible result.

Juvenile Consent Decree

If there isn’t a defense for the teen DUI, and if it’s the teen’s first offense, it is common to enter into a “consent decree” with the Juvenile Authorities. Similar to an ARD for an adult offender, the Consent Decree results in minimal penalties, provides for remedial counseling. Most importantly, it protects the teen from public scrutiny and protects against a criminal record.

Teens are not automatically offered a Consent Decree. Decisions are made on a case by case basis by the Juvenile Authorities. For more information, contact Ronald Makoski today.

Transportation to School and Work

If your driver’s license is suspended, you may have a tough time getting to school and/or work.

In some cases an Occupational Limited Licenses (OLL) may be available to a DUI offender. It will depend on your driving record and the specifics of your case.

License suspension can a serious consequence of your DUI, but is far from the worst possible outcome. You are looking at possible repercussions to your job, school, family life, your auto insurance, even your right to own a firearm.

What should you do? Contact Ronald Makoski today for your FREE consultation and