Being pulled over on any road is scary enough without the added fear that you will be caught for underage drinking and driving. Under the state of Minnesota, anyone under the age of 21 caught with even a drop of alcohol in their system if behind the wheel of a vehicle can be arrested for a DUI. It does not matter if you have only had a sip or a beer at a party. There is no .08 blood alcohol content limit for those under the age of 21.
DUI Laws and Penalties
Driving a vehicle on the roads while drunk (or after you have been drinking) is bad enough. However, keep in mind that the drinking and driving laws do not only apply to the highways and roads. You can also be caught for underage drinking and driving if you are operating any type of recreational vehicle with alcohol in your system. This includes a boat, a jet ski, a golf cart, a snowmobile and an ATV. It might sound like a good idea to mix a couple of cocktails with a day out on the lake but this could result in a loss of license among other things.
If you have been caught for underage drinking and driving, you can expect a license suspension. You may also need to attend driver’s education and rehabilitation to ensure that you are not a risk on the road again. In some instances you may need to pay a fine. If the drinking and driving arrest was on top of additional arrests, such as in conjunction with a car accident, obstruction of justice, resisting arrest, speeding or open bottle law, then you could also be looking at community service or time in a detention facility.
Legal Advice for Underage Arrests
If you are pulled over and you have been drinking, you have the legal right to refuse a breathalyzer test. However, if you do refuse and are later found guilty of underage drinking and driving, you could be facing even more severe punishments. The best thing to do is you are pulled over for underage drinking and driving is to cooperate with the police officer. Remain polite and as calm as possible. You do not have to admit to anything or say anything about what has happened. In fact, it is best to keep quiet. You have the right to remain silent and this is one right you should always take. It can be very intimidating facing a police officer and you might accidently say something that could affect your case down the road. Contact an attorney right away to discuss your legal options and how you should proceed.
Minnesota Defense Lawyer
If you are facing an underage drinking and driving conviction, or if you have been arrested for underage drinking and driving, you will need legal representation. A drinking and driving conviction will remain on your record forever, negatively affecting your life down the road.
Don’t let an underage drinking and driving arrest affect the rest of your life. Protect your rights and reputation as well as your personal and pending professional life. If you or someone you love is facing a criminal conviction, then now is the time to step up and fight back. Contact Anoka criminal lawyer Michael Brandt at 763-421-6366 for a free, no obligation consultation.