Under 21 DUIs in California
California harshly prosecutes drivers accused of a DUI. California has a “zero tolerance” law for drivers who are under the age of 21. This means that drivers under 21 can face DUI charges even if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is at 0.01%.
Drivers over the age of 21 have to keep their BAC below 0.08%. As you can see, the restrictions are harsher for drivers under 21. There are certain charges only used for drivers under the age of 21. These charges include:
- Vehicle Code 23136
- Vehicle Code 23140
VC 23136 charges apply if a driver has a BAC between 0.01% and 0.04%. Drivers can face VC 23140 charges if their BAC is between 0.04%-0.07%. Drivers under 21 with a BAC of 0.08% or more can face “adult” DUI charges. These charges are handled under Vehicle Code 23152(a).
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License Suspensions for Under 21 DUIs in California
Under 21 DUIs are not penalized in the same way as “adult” DUI charges are. For example, VC 23136 charges can only lead to a license suspension. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can suspend a driver’s license for one year after a VC 23136 conviction.
VC 23140 offenses can also lead to a one-year license suspension. However, this charge also comes with additional penalties. Drivers can end up facing:
- Fines of up to $100
- Time in an alcohol education program
“Adult” DUI charges lead to more serious penalties in our state. Drivers can face jail time after a VC 23152(a) conviction. Note that you can be convicted under VC 23152(a) even if you are under 21. Your BAC determines what charges you face after a DUI arrest.
You should also know that DUIs are “priorable” offenses in California. This means they stay on your record. Drivers with past DUI convictions can face harsher penalties. A driver with two VC 23136 convictions, for example, could face a two-year license suspension instead of only one year.
After a DUI penalty, you may not be sure about the status of your license. How do you find out if your license has been suspended in California? Well, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) should notify you of the decision to terminate your license. However, if you do not receive a notification yet still believe your license may be suspended or revoked, you can request a copy of your driver record from the DMW.
A Los Angeles DUI lawyer can help you better understand the penalties for a DUI offense. Find out more by contacting the Simmrin Law Group. Reach out to our team by calling (310) 896-2723.
Under 21 DUIs and the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Program
Many drivers know that California adopted an IID program for many DUI offenses. This program allows some drivers to continue operating a vehicle after a DUI arrest. However, these drivers have to install an IID on their vehicles.
IIDs are used to measure a driver’s BAC. The IID prevents the car from turning on if a driver has an elevated BAC. However, this program is not available to drivers under the age of 21. This means drivers under 21 face a license suspension after a DUI conviction.
Handle Under 21 DUI Charges in Los Angeles
You can build a defense if you are accused of an under 21 DUI in Los Angeles. A DUI lawyer can help you avoid a license suspension. Your lawyer may work to get your charges reduced to protect your driving privileges. A lawyer can even work to have your charges dismissed.
Our team understands how to handle under 21 DUI charges. We can work to dispute the results of a BAC test on your behalf. We can also stand up for you in court. We know how to take on prosecutors in DUI cases, so reach out to us now.
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Get Help Now with an Under 21 DUI License Suspension
The court can suspend your license for one year after an under 21 DUI. You can also face fines, jail time, and other penalties. Get help handling under 21 DUI charges from the Simmrin Law Group. Contact our DUI lawyers in Los Angeles right now. Allow us to assess your situation with a free consultation.
Reach out to us by calling (310) 896-2723. We also have an online contact form.
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