Concerns with Underage Drinking and Underage DUI

Every parent worries about their child, so discussing drinking and driving from a parental perspective can be a difficult topic. While the dangers of drinking and driving cannot be understated, the legal ramifications of a drinking and driving conviction can be monumental. There are a number of ways in which a minor can face legal trouble as it pertains to alcohol. Below, we will look at Illinois’ laws on underage drinking, transportation of alcohol, and drinking and driving. If your child has been charged with an underage DUI, it is time to seek out legal assistance. 

Underage Drinking Laws in Illinois 

In the state of Illinois, there are a number of laws in place to discourage minors from consuming alcohol. While it is highly unlikely that a minor will face jail time for an alcohol possession charge, they will face the consequences of:

• Having a Class A misdemeanor on their record
• Fines as high as $2,500
• Suspended driving privileges

Minors can face much more severe criminal charges if they are caught using a fake id. If a minor is apprehended while using another person’s driver’s license or identification card, they will face a Class A misdemeanor charge. If a minor is caught in possession of a falsified Illinois state driver’s license or identification card, they will face felony charges and possible jail time. 

Underage DUI in Illinois 

According to Illinois state law, a person under the age of 21 can face DUI charges for having a blood alcohol content over the legal limit of 0.08 or a blood alcohol content over 0.05 with additional evidence of impairment present. The charges for an underage DUI mirror those of a standard DUI conviction, resulting in a Class A misdemeanor. An underage DUI, though, will result in a minimum two-year license revocation period. A second conviction will result in a five-year license revocation period. 

Contact an Oak Brook Underage DUI Attorney 

When a minor is facing underage drinking or underage DUI charges, it is important to act quickly. A serious charge can impact a young person’s potential educational opportunities and future employment options. Recognizing this, our team at McMahon Law Offices will do everything in our power to avoid a conviction. To schedule a free initial consultation with a quality DuPage County criminal defense attorney, call us today at 630-953-4400. 

Sources:

https://www2.illinois.gov/ilcc/Education/Pages/Under21Laws.aspx

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/traffic_safety/DUI/uselose.html

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a118.pdf