Underage OWI/DUI and Other Alcohol Charges

Minors, as well as adults under the age of 21, can face serious charges if they are stopped for driving with any alcohol in their systems at all, and they can even face charges simply for the possession or consumption of an alcoholic beverage. Anybody under the age of 21 who is facing OWI or DUI charges, or any other alcohol-related charges, needs to have a clear understanding of the offense they are facing, the potential consequences upon conviction, and how to begin developing a defense strategy.

What do you need to know about underage OWI/DUI charges and other alcohol-related offenses? Our experienced Indianapolis OWI/DUI defense lawyers can provide you with more information.

Underage Drunk Driving and Alcohol Consumption Are Taken Seriously in Indiana 

Drunk driving among underage drivers is a serious issue in Indiana, these offenses are taken extremely seriously in the state. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, as many as 25 percent of car crashes involving teens result from intoxicated driving. Accordingly, states like Indiana have laws designed to prevent anyone underage from possessing, consuming, or driving under the influence of alcohol.

It is unlawful under IC 7.1-5-7-7 for a minor to knowingly possess an alcohol beverage, consume an alcoholic beverage, or transport an alcoholic beverage if one of the minor’s guardian’s is not in the vehicle. These offenses are charged as Class C misdemeanors, and minors also lose driving privileges.

In addition, Indiana has what is known as a zero-tolerance law for underage impaired driving. Under IC 9-30-5-8.5, anyone who is under the age of 21 and has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of even 0.02 percent can face OWI or DUI charges. You can even face OWI charges if you are under the age of 21, have a single alcoholic beverage, and sit in the driver seat of your vehicle in your own driveway to listen to music or make a call, for example.

Defending Against Underage OWI/DUI Charges in Indiana 

Typically, if you are charged with an OWI or DUI under Indiana’s zero-tolerance law, you will need to prove that you were not operating a vehicle or driving a vehicle with any alcohol in your system.

Defense strategies will vary depending on the facts of the case, but you may be able to argue that the breathalyzer results were inaccurate, blood test results were tainted, or you appeared to have alcohol in your system as a result of an alcohol-based medication or related substance that you were using lawfully. To determine the best defense strategy for your case, it is critical to seek advice from a defense attorney.

Contact an Indianapolis OWI/DUI Defense Lawyer Today 

If you are under the age of 21 and facing alcohol-related charges, or if your teenager is facing charges, it is important to get in touch with one of the experienced Indianapolis OWI/DUI defense attorneys at Rigney Law LLC for assistance. Contact us today to begin developing a defense strategy.

Sources:

casetext.com/statute/indiana-code/title-9-motor-vehicles/article-30-general-penalty-provisions/chapter-5-operating-a-vehicle-while-intoxicated/section-9-30-5-85-class-c-infraction-person-less-than-21-years-of-age-driving-under-the-influence

samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you/parent-resources/impaired-driving