Receiving a call that your teenager has been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) is a parent’s nightmare. Your immediate concern is for their safety and that no one was injured.
However, your thoughts soon move on to other things, such as the immediate impact of a DUI charge and the long-term consequences of a conviction.
Zero tolerance law
Florida’s justice system has a zero-tolerance approach regarding underage drinking and driving. For adults, the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) legal limit is 0.08%. For someone under the age of 21, having a BAC of 0.02% will result in a DUI.
An underage DUI is not a minor traffic violation; it is a criminal offense. The financial burden can be substantial with fines and court fees. The judge may also require your teenager to attend DUI classes and perform several hours of community service.
In addition, a DUI conviction will result in the suspension of their driver’s license. If it’s their first offense, the suspension will last at least six months. This loss of independence can impact their ability to get to school, work or extracurricular activities.
If your teenager is applying for college, a DUI can be a major red flag for admissions officers. It can eliminate the possibility of attending highly competitive schools. A DUI also affects the financial package a school may offer. Many scholarships, especially those based on merit or character, require a clean record. A DUI can automatically disqualify a student from receiving financial aid they might have otherwise earned.
The ripple effects of an underage DUI can be felt years later when your child goes to enter the workforce. Many employers conduct background checks as a standard part of the hiring process. A DUI conviction can limit job opportunities, particularly in certain fields such as law, education and jobs requiring a government security clearance.
While you want your teen to experience accountability, you don’t want them to be punished for the rest of their life for a minor in possession or underage DUI. You need to speak with a legal professional as soon as possible. They can help you and your teen navigate the court process and work to achieve the best possible outcome, potentially minimizing the long-term impact.