Has Your Teenager Been Arrested For DUI? Here Are Other Charges They May Face

Teenagers arrested for DUI (driving under the influence) often face other related charges aside from the obvious one of intoxicated driving. It all depends on where they got the alcohol, who they were drinking with, where they were drinking, among other factors. Here are some of the related charges your teenager may face:

Underage Drinking

Underage drinking is a crime; this is the case even for teenagers who don't drink and drive. The law says that the minimum drinking age is 21, and anyone below that age found drinking alcohol will be charged with a crime. Typical punishment for underage drinking includes suspension of driving license, community service sentence, and payment of monetary fines, among other things. The severity of the punishment depends on different factors such as the age of the offender, the criminal history of the offender, and the level of intoxication of the offender, among other factors.

Using a Fake ID

Many kids buy alcohol by using fake identification documents that they manufacture, steal or buy from others. If that is how your teenager obtained their alcohol, then they will also be facing the related charge of possessing and using a fake ID. Typical punishments include monetary fines, probation, and even jail time; it depends on different factors such as state laws and what the fake ID was used for.

Providing Minors with Alcohol

If the teenager gave a sip or two to their teenage friends, then they may also face an additional charge of providing alcohol to minors or contributing to the delinquency of a minor. This is a criminal charge that anyone faces, regardless of their age, when they give or sell alcohol to another person who hasn't reached the legal drinking age. This charge is likely for your teenager because kids normally drink in groups of friends.

Violating Open Container Laws

Lastly, your teenager may also be charged with violation of open container laws if they were drinking in the car. Open container laws are regional laws that are meant to preempt DUI crimes by making it illegal to have an open bottle of alcohol in a car. The exact wordings of these laws vary by state, which means what may or may not constitute a crime also varies. In most cases, open container violation is treated as an infraction or misdemeanor punishable by a monetary fine or jail time.

As you can see, you should prepare yourself for multiple criminal charges if your teenager has been arrested for DUI. This is why you should contact a professional such as Throgmorton Winston Attorney as soon as possible.

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