Zero Tolerance
Across the nation, states have enacted zero tolerance laws in an effort to stop those under the age of 21 from consuming (and in some cases selling or serving) alcohol. Zero tolerance laws also apply to drinking and driving and the consequences of doing so are severe. If you have been arrested for DUI and you are or were under 21 at the time of your arrest, you should immediately contact a defense attorney. Zero tolerance simply means that states have ‘zero tolerance’ when it comes to those under the legal drinking age of consuming alcohol. For those 21 and over, you can have a blood alcohol content of less than .08% when operating a vehicle (over that and you are DUI). However, that amounts drops to .02% if you’re under 21, which is essentially no alcohol in your system. Something like mouthwash or mints can even cause this reading on a breath test!
Zero tolerance laws are also prevalent on school grounds across the United States. These laws are so severe in fact that students, teachers and visitors to the campuses cannot have any drug or alcoholic substance on school grounds. In one case, a student was suspended from school for ten days for using mouthwash, which contains alcohol. The student was also required to take a course about the affects of alcohol and substance abuse.
And if schools are taking zero tolerance laws so seriously you can image how the courts feel about underage drinking and driving where someone can get seriously hurt or killed. Even if you have a BAC of as little as .02% you can still be convicted of DUI and subject to the same penalties as an adult with a much higher BAC would receive.
This can include jail time, heavy fines and the loss of your driver’s license and insurance. A DUI conviction can also hurt your chances of applying to schools or finding employment.
Zero tolerance laws and penalties are strict and you need an experienced DUI defense attorney on your side! Don’t let a DUI charge turn into a conviction that can ruin your life.
