Everyone knows that kids make stupid mistakes. It’s been proven that a person’s brain isn’t fully developed until they are well into their 20s. With this in mind, it can be understandable that teenagers can make bad choices, including driving after they have been drinking. But the punishment that a teen can face for a DWI in Louisiana can affect them for the rest of their lives.
The State of Louisiana does not tolerate underage drinking and driving. Louisiana Revised Statute 14.98.6 defines the crime of “underage operating while intoxicated” to include situation in which a driver who is under the age of 21 has a BAC between .02 and .08. If the minor has a BAC above .08, they will be charged as an adult. They would also be charged as an adult if they refuse a BAC test. Generally a first offense will mean fines and jail time for the offender, but a person can also get community service instead of jail time in some situations. They may also be required to go to a driver improvement school, have their license suspended, and enter a substance abuse program.
Getting pulled over for drinking and driving is a stressful and frightening situation. It can remain on a person’s record as a misdemeanor and have consequences as far as college and future job opportunities. Multiple DWIs can result in a felony. A legal professional who is skilled in criminal defense can help their client who is facing an underage DWI gain control over their life. An attorney understands what is at stake for their client. Their client may be a student in a professional program and is worried about obtaining their license in nursing, law, medical, engineering or entering the military. They understand how disruptive these circumstances can be and can aggressively defend their client and help them tell their side of the story.
Everyone knows that driving after drinking is a bad idea. But sometimes people make mistakes. It is important for these defendants to know their legal rights and do what they can to protect their future.
Source: RS 14.98.6, accessed on May 1, 2017
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