Many drivers are used to hearing the phrase “zero tolerance” thrown around in relation to charges for driving under the influence (DUI). So, what does zero tolerance mean? Zero tolerance often refers to California’s laws on underage drinking. However, it may also refer to the state’s probation requirements for drivers convicted of a DUI.
You may learn more about California’s zero-tolerance laws right here. Get information about how zero-tolerance laws could affect you right now.
Zero Tolerance for Under 21 Drinking and Driving
Technically, individuals in the state of California are not legally allowed to drink until they are 21 — this means they cannot drink alcohol and operate a motor vehicle. Drivers who fail to uphold this regulation may face criminal charges.
Police officers may arrest drivers under 21 if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is at or above 0.01%. These drivers could face criminal charges under the California Vehicle Code (VC) 23136. You may have your license suspended for up to one year for a VC 23136 conviction.
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Additional DUI Charges Used for Drivers Under 21
Drivers under 21 may face additional charges for driving under the influence of alcohol. VC 23136 is generally only used if a driver has an exceptionally low BAC. Drivers may end up with more serious charges if their BAC is higher. For example, the court may charge drivers with violation of the following California Vehicle Code sections:
- Section 23140: Under 21 DUI With Blood Alcohol Content Between 0.05-0.07 Percent
- Section 23152(a): Driving Under The Influence Of Alcohol
- Section 23152(b): Driving With A Blood Alcohol Content Of 0.08 Percent Or Higher
VC 23140 is a charge used only for drivers under the age of 21. It is more severe than VC 23136. It may lead to fines as well as a driver’s license suspension. VC 23152(a) and VC 23152(b) may apply to any driver in California. These charges represent “normal” DUI charges. Convictions may result in:
- High fines.
- Time in jail.
- Orders to attend DUI school.
- The use of an ignition interlock device (IID).
Find out more about the penalties for DUIs in California with a lawyer. Reach out to a law firm for help right now.
California’s Zero Tolerance Policy for DUI Probation
Drivers are often placed on probation after a DUI conviction in California. You may end up on probation for years. While on probation, drivers must adhere to a series of regulations handed down by the court. These regulations vary on a case-by-case basis. California rules are covered by Vehicle Code Section 23600.
Drivers on probation are expected not to drive under the influence of alcohol. Drivers may face criminal charges if their BAC is even slightly elevated while they are on probation. They do not have to exceed the state’s limit of 0.08% to experience criminal charges.
Drivers under 21 must not drive with any measurable amount of alcohol in their blood while on probation. Failure to follow this rule could result in a probation violation. Violating your probation in California is a criminal offense.
You may face increased penalties for a probation violation in California. The court could revoke your probation, forcing you to return to jail. You may also have harsher penalties added to your probation requirements by the court.
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Get Help Handling California’s Zero Tolerance Policy
California’s zero-tolerance policy may have a tremendous impact on your life if you are accused of a DUI. The zero-tolerance policy may impact you if you are a driver under the age of 21. The zero-tolerance policy in California also affects drivers on probation.
A lawyer may help if you are accused of an under 21 DUI. Your lawyer may work to block evidence against you. A lawyer could also dispute the validity of your arrest to get your charges reduced or even dismissed.
You may want to contact a lawyer if you need help handling a criminal trial for DUI charges. Your lawyer may support you with your initial trial. A lawyer could also help if you are accused of violating the terms of your probation in California.
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Find Out What Zero Tolerance Means in California
What does zero tolerance mean in California? When referring to a DUI, zero tolerance refers to the court’s hardline on under 21 drivers. Drivers under 21 cannot operate a vehicle after drinking any alcohol. The Simmrin Law Group may help you learn more about these regulations. Get answers to your questions with a free consultation.
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