The legal drinking age in Pennsylvania is 21. If you are under 21 and get arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Newtown, you may face significant penalties that severely impact your future.
A Newtown DUI lawyer from McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. can help you navigate this complicated and challenging situation. Newtown under 21 DUI lawyer David C. McKenzie III can advise you of your options, help you take the next steps, and protect your rights. He may even be able to get your DUI charges dropped or reduced.
Penalties for Underage DUI in Newtown
Teenagers and young adults sometimes experiment with alcohol before being legally permitted to consume it. If they get behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated, they can be arrested for driving under the influence.
The legal limit for blood alcohol content in Pennsylvania is .08% for adults over the legal drinking age. However, if you are under 21, you are not allowed to drive with any amount of alcohol in your system, per 75 Pa. C.S.A. § 3718.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, drivers under 21 with a blood alcohol content of .02% or greater may face the following penalties:
- Driver’s license suspension for 12 to 18 months
- A jail sentence between two days and six months
- Fines of up to $5,000
- Mandatory alcohol highway safety school
- Mandatory drug and alcohol treatment if needed, based on the results of a drug and alcohol evaluation
- Community service hours
- Attendance at a DUI victim impact panel
Many DUI penalties are intangible. In addition to the driver’s license suspension, fines, and jail time listed above, a DUI conviction can damage your reputation, educational and career opportunities, and self-esteem. Attorney David McKenzie can fight for your future.
Penalties for Second Underage DUI Offenses
If you are arrested for underage DUI for the second time, the minimum jail sentence is 30 days instead of 48 hours. Fines also increase with multiple DUI convictions.
Penalties for a Third Underage DUI Offense
A third offense is considered a first-degree misdemeanor, and the minimum jail sentence is 90 days, with a maximum sentence of five years. If you are convicted of DUI for the third time, you face up to $10,000 in fines and an 18-month driver’s license suspension.
Penalties for a Fourth Underage DUI Offense
A fourth underage DUI is a third-degree felony. If convicted, the minimum jail sentence is one year, and the maximum is seven years. The maximum fine is $15,000. Fourth DUI offenses also carry an 18-month driver’s license suspension, mandatory drug and alcohol treatment, and other penalties.
Ignition Interlock Device
Underage individuals convicted of DUI typically must install an alcohol ignition interlock device (IID) in their vehicles for at least one year.
An IID is connected to the ignition of your vehicle. To start your vehicle, you must blow into the device’s mouthpiece. The IID will evaluate the breath sample and check it for any alcohol. If there is alcohol in the breath sample, the vehicle will not start. Once an IID is installed in your vehicle, you must do this every time you drive.
You will be responsible for paying the IID installation fees and other costs.
For a free legal consultation with an under 21 dui lawyer serving Newtown, call (610) 680-7842
Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition for Under 21 DUI in Newtown
The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program is a diversion program that helps some underage DUI offenders avoid jail time and other criminal penalties. If you complete the ARD program, your case will be dismissed, and you can request expungement of the DUI record.
According to the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office, the ARD program is only available for first-time DUI offenders. This program is especially valuable for young people who need a second chance after a DUI.
Your Newtown criminal defense lawyer can walk you through the process of applying for ARD and encourage the district attorney’s office to accept you.
Newtown Under 21 DUI Lawyer Near Me (610) 680-7842
How a Newtown Under 21 DUI Lawyer from McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. Can Help
If you or somebody you love was charged with an underage DUI, you may feel overwhelmed and confused. These feelings are understandable. After all, the penalties for an underage DUI can be life-changing.
Your Newtown Under 21 DUI attorney can give you the help you need. Attorney David McKenzie and the team from McKenzie Law Firm, P.C are experienced in under 21 DUI cases, and we know what to expect. We can advise you of your rights and options, represent you in court, and do everything possible to reduce the negative consequences you face.
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Benefits of Working with Our Newtown Under 21 DUI Lawyer
Newtown DUI attorney David McKenzie is committed to being available to his clients. After you sign on as a client, you can reach Mr. McKenzie through phone calls, text messages, social media messages, and email. He will answer your questions, update you on your case, and represent you during legal proceedings. Whenever possible, Mr. McKenzie seeks to have DUI charges dropped or reduced.
On our testimonials page, you can read reviews from past clients. Our clients often express gratitude for Mr. McKenzie’s professional and compassionate demeanor and frequent communication. For example:
- “David was a great help. Always returned a prompt reply to questions. Very knowledgeable lawyer. Makes you feel at ease. Highly recommend.” – Jim Mead
- “Dave provided excellent representation for my case. Very responsive to questions and was overall a pleasure to work with.” – Geoffrey Bartkowski
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Let Newtown Underage DUI Attorney David McKenzie Help You
If you face underage DUI charges, don’t face this difficult situation alone. Attorney David McKenzie is here to provide legal representation and guidance throughout your case. Your future is too important to leave to chance.
Contact our office today to schedule your initial consultation.
Call or text (610) 680-7842 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
