DWI Defense Lawyer Serving Fairfax and Surrounding Areas
The Commonwealth of Virginia has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to underage drinking. This means that a person under 21 years old can be convicted of Driving After Illegally Consuming Alcohol (Va. Code §18.2-266.1, sometimes referred to as "Baby DWI") if a breath or blood test shows an alcohol content of only 0.02 (in contrast to the so-called "legal limit" of 0.08 under §18.2-266). If you or your child has been arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, do not wait to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
Underage Drunk Driving Defense Law Firm in Northern Virginia
Virginia will be tough on you. We're tough back. We are the criminal defense attorneys at MacDowell & Associates, P.C. in Fairfax, Virginia. Our attorneys have more than 20 years of experience defending clients against DUI/DWI charges.
Experienced and Aggressive DUI Defense
Over the years, our underage DUI/DWI defense lawyers have learned how prosecutors respond to underage drunk driving. This includes valuable insight from our founder, Richard MacDowell, a former prosecutor for the Commonwealth of Virginia. We will carefully investigate the charges against you and explore all available defenses. This includes challenging the results of the breathalyzer test, as well as the officers' actions during and after your arrest.
Penalties for Underage DUI/DWI
The penalties for underage drunk driving in Virginia are slightly different than those for drunk driving over the age of 21. Any amount of alcohol in your blood can prove costly.
If you are convicted of underage DUI/DWI with a blood alcohol level of 0.02 or more but less than .08, you will face:
- Driver's license suspension of six months
- A fine of up to $500
- Additional punishment may include court-ordered active probation, completion of an alcohol program (VASAP), and community service.
-
A judge may issue a restricted license (to allow driving to work, school, and probation) during the license suspension period, but would typically require entry into and completion of the VASAP program as a condition.
A BAC higher than .08 percent for someone under 21 years old would result in a prosecution for the more serious charge of regular DWI, punishable as a first offense DUI/DWI or repeat offense DUI/DWI.
Don't Accept Their Verdict
These immediate penalties are not the only consequences of an underage drunk driving conviction. Your future, including car insurance, applications for school, jobs and housing, could all be affected if you are convicted.
Protect your freedom and your future. Let an experienced underage DUI/DWI defense attorney handle your drunk driving charges. Call 703-763-0923 or send us an e-mail to arrange a free consultation.
