As fall ushers in the return to school, college campuses come alive with energy. With this season often come fun parties and events, where alcohol is frequently part of the mix. But for many college students who are still under the legal drinking age, a night of fun can quickly turn sour if they’re pulled over for suspected drunk driving.
Strict zero-tolerance for underage drunk drivers
Arizona takes a hard stance on underage driving under the influence (DUI). While the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for adults is 0.08%, that doesn’t apply to underage drivers.
The state enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21. Any detectable amount of alcohol in a young driver’s system can lead to serious consequences. That means any BAC level over zero can lead to a DUI charge, even one as low as 0.02%.
What a 0.02% BAC feels like
A BAC of 0.02% might seem insignificant, but it can already impair your judgment and coordination. This level is enough to put your safety on the road at risk.
For a 200-pound person, this level can result from just one red solo cup or 12 ounces of beer. The blood alcohol level may even go up to 0.05% for a driver weighing less.
Possible penalties for first-time offenders
Even first-time offenders of underage drunk driving can face severe penalties in Arizona. These may include:
- Up to $500 in fines
- Minimum of two years license suspension
- Up to six months of jail time
Like drunk driving offenders who are of legal age, the court may also require underage offenders to complete mandatory alcohol education programs. They may also require convicted offenders to install an ignition interlock device. However, the court usually reserves this for repeat offenders.
Don’t let one mistake disrupt your future
One DUI charge as an underage driver in Arizona can result in severe consequences – not just for your studies but for your future employment. If you face DUI charges for underage drunk driving, consulting a legal professional is key. They may help you explore possible defenses or help you minimize your penalties.
Author Bio
Matthew L. Lopez
Matthew L. Lopez is the Managing Attorney and founder of Matthew Lopez Law, a criminal defense and DUI firm serving clients throughout Arizona. His track record of case dismissals and charge reductions has earned him honors, including a National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 nomination, a “Superb” 10/10 Avvo rating, and a Rising Star designation by Super Lawyers.
Matthew is a member of the National College for DUI Defense and holds active memberships with the Arizona Association for Criminal Justice and the Arizona Association for Justice. His firm handles criminal defense, DUI, drug charges, and traffic offenses, offering free consultations and affordable payment plans to make quality defense accessible to all Arizonans.
