Parents of teenagers in the Denver area know they don’t always make the best decisions. Research has shown that a person’s brain doesn’t even fully develop until they are in their 20s which could be one reason why teens don’t always make smart choices. Most of the time teens are able to stay out of serious trouble but occasionally they engage in activities that can land them with criminal charges, such as a DUI.
Denver residents understand that driving after a person has been drinking is dangerous. Alcohol-related car crashes kill too many Colorado residents each year. Underage drinking and driving is a common charge in Colorado. With just a minimal amount of alcohol in their system, a teen driver can face serious criminal charges. A person can be charged for underage drinking and driving if they have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.02 to 0.05. If an underage driver has a BAC of over .05 they can face traditional DUI charges.
With the first offense of Underage Drinking and Driving a teen faces license suspension for 3 months, community service, and penalties associated with class A traffic infractions. A second offense brings a Class 2 traffic infraction and a six-month driver’s license suspension and additional penalties. These offenses can also be on a teens criminal record and affect their insurance rates, right to drive, college applications, job applications, and many other consequences.
If a family is facing a situation in which their teen driver has been arrested for a DUI they may want to speak with a legal professional who is skilled in criminal defense. An attorney can help their client understand the serious nature of the charges and make sure their rights are protected.