The law says that no one under the age of 21 should consume alcohol in the United States. Yet teenagers routinely ignore this law. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people between the ages of 12 and 20 drink 11 percent of all alcohol consumed in the United States each year. And more than 90 percent of this alcohol is consumed by binge drinking.
But what’s even more frightening is when a drunk teen gets behind the wheel. Not only did the teen illegally consume alcohol, but the teen is now drinking while intoxicated — a very serious criminal offense in the state of New Jersey. This is a quick way to ruin a bright future.
If your teen is charged with underage DUI in Jersey City, Newark, or anywhere else in New Jersey, you are going to need an aggressive juvenile criminal defense attorney. For more than 35 years, underage DUI defense lawyer Anthony Carbone has been helping families with their teens’ legal woes. He will fight on your behalf to make sure your teenager will get a fair sentence that won’t affect his/her future.
New Jersey’s Underage DUI Penalties
New Jersey has very strict laws when it comes to underage DUI. An underage driver need is a blood alcohol content level of 0.01 percent to be facing the following penalties:
- A suspension of his/her license from 30 days to 90 days
- 15-3o days of mandatory community service
- Participation in alcohol education and highway safety programs
- And, depending on the situation, facing DUI penalties given to adults, such as fines and an ignition interlock installed on the car
If the driver is under the age of 17 and doesn’t have a license, then the teen will face the additional penalty of a 30-day to a 90-day delay in processing the driver’s license.
The teen can also face charges such as:
- Distributing alcohol to a minor
- Being a minor in possession of alcohol
- Consumption of alcohol while underage
- Soliciting for alcohol
The Consequences of Underage DUI Charges
Besides facing multiple fines and a license suspension, your teen will also put his/her future in doubt. A DUI is a criminal charge and will turn up in a background check. This can hurt your teenager’s chances of getting into college or a trade school and can make it difficult to find a good job.
It can also affect your teen’s car insurance. Insurance companies will charge higher rates to someone who has a DUI on his/her driving record. In fact, insurers may terminate a policy because of an underage DUI charge.
How Our Underage DUI Defense Lawyer Can Help
Jersey City attorney Anthony Carbone has been defending clients throughout New Jersey for almost 30 years. He knows the criminal justice system and will do all he can to make sure your teen’s rights are not violated. With a team of experts, he will work closely with investigators to build the strongest possible case. With his aggressive and relentless legal representation, he will try to get your teen’s charges lessened or dropped entirely.
If your teenager is accused of a DUI, you need to find a good attorney fast. We have a strong track record and are ready to help. Contact the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone today for a free consultation. Hablamos Espanol.
