DUI laws in Pennsylvania are designed for adults over the legal drinking age of 21. Those who are under the age of 21 are considered minors. While it is illegal for minors to drink alcohol, specific Pennsylvania laws address minors who are drinking and driving.

There is a “no tolerance” policy for an underage DUI in Philadelphia, PA, as well as a lowered blood alcohol content that applies to minors in this category. Specific penalties have been created for those who are convicted of underage DUI.

What happens when a minor is arrested for an underage DUI

The state of Pennsylvania has clear laws that do not allow underage drinking. Most minors run into problems because they were drinking at a party when they weren’t supposed to and then drove home. Young drinkers may become intoxicated more easily than older individuals, and they may not understand that they become impaired quickly when they drink. The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) for minors is 0.02 percent. For adults, the BAC is 0.08 percent.

What this means is that if police stop a minor, the officer may charge the driver with a Philadelphia underage DUI if he detects even a slight amount of alcohol. The penalties for underage DUI are severe.

What are the penalties for an underage DUI in Philadelphia, PA?

It is essential to understand that the minor will face penalties if found guilty of underage DUI. Minors are not allowed to consume any amount of alcohol, so if a minor is found to have any alcohol in their system, it is illegal. Minors must follow specific rules set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

Minors who are found to have alcohol in their system may face penalties that include:

Driver’s license suspension up to three months if any alcohol is found in the system
Fines

Minors who are found guilty of underage DUI (BAC of 0.02 percent or higher) face additional penalties including:

Jail for at least 48 hours
Fines between $500 to $5,000
Attend alcohol driving safety classes

How an underage DUI attorney can help

If your child has been arrested for an underage DUI in Pennsylvania, it’s important to understand the potential consequences and the ways an experienced attorney can make a difference. As a law firm dedicated to defending minors in DUI cases, here’s how we can help.

Examining the evidence closely

Our team will carefully assess the details of the arrest, including whether the stop was conducted legally, the accuracy of field sobriety tests, and the reliability of breathalyzer or blood test results. We look for any procedural errors or questionable evidence that could be challenged in court, which may lead to a reduction or dismissal of charges.

Working to reduce penalties

If the evidence against your child is strong, we can still negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce penalties. For first-time offenders, we often pursue alternative sentencing options, such as alcohol education programs, community service, or probation instead of jail time. This approach helps to minimize the long-term impact on your child’s record and future.

Providing guidance and legal support

We understand that an underage DUI case can be overwhelming for both the minor and their family. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, keeping you informed, answering questions, and helping you understand the best options available. We’re committed to supporting you and your child during this challenging time.

With our experience in underage DUI cases, we work to protect your child’s rights and future, aiming to achieve the best possible outcome. If you’re facing this situation, contact us to discuss how we can help safeguard your child’s future.

Contact an experienced underage DUI attorney in Philadelphia, PA

If your child has been arrested for an underage DUI in Philadelphia, PA, it is crucial to take legal action as soon as possible. Contact the Law Offices of Steven E. Kellis today for a free consultation with an experienced PA underage DUI attorney. Learn how you can help your child fight these charges. Steven Kellis has 25 years of jury trial experience and is nationally certified in field sobriety testing. Let a reputable litigator guide you and your child to a resolution.

Call the Law Offices of Steven E. Kellis today at (215) 940-1200 – available 24 hours a day. Or complete our website form if you prefer to contact us more discreetly.