What Happens When a Minor Under 21 Gets a DUI in Nevada?

When a minor under 21 gets a DUI in Nevada, they can face serious consequences. These include the loss of their license, fines, jail time, community service, and mandatory enrollment in an alcohol abuse program. A conviction can also leave them with a criminal record that could impact their job and education opportunities.For these reasons, it’s vital that you speak with a DUI defense lawyer about your case as soon as possible. A DUI for someone under 21 can have significant consequences.Nevada’s Zero Tolerance DUI PolicyIn Nevada, drivers under 21 cannot have any alcohol in their system. If police pull you over and they find alcohol in your system with a breathalyzer or a blood test at the police station, you could face DUI charges.What Court Handles Underage DUI in Nevada?The Nevada court that will handle your underage DUI case depends on your age and the severity of the offense you are charged with.Generally, drivers under 18 who face DUI charges are referred to juvenile court, while those aged 18 to 20 are referred to criminal (adult) court. However, if you are under 18 and the DUI offense you are charged with is a felony, such as if it involves causing serious bodily harm or death to another individual, you will likely be referred to criminal court.Penalties for Underage DUI Under Nevada LawThe penalties you could face for a DUI while underage depend on the court you are tried in. Juvenile court has lesser penalties, while criminal court can impose the same penalties on a minor that an adult would receive for DUI.Penalties you may face if convicted in these courts include the following:Juvenile Court – License suspension for up to 185 days and mandatory enrollment in an alcohol abuse recovery program.Criminal Court – Between two days and six months of imprisonment, between 48 and 96 hours of community service, and a fine of between $400 and $1,000.Additional ConsequencesIn addition to the legal consequences of an underage DUI, a conviction can impact your life in several other ways. For example, you may experience higher auto insurance rates, lose higher-education scholarships, or have a harder time obtaining employment, particularly jobs that involve driving.Blood Alcohol Limit for Drivers Under 21 in NevadaIn Nevada, the standard blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for adult drivers is 0.08. However, the legal BAC limit for drivers under 21 is only 0.02. Underage drivers do not have to reach the 0.08 limit to be charged with a DUI.Additionally, even if your BAC is below 0.02, you may face charges if the police officers determine that your ability to safely operate a vehicle is impaired. They may determine this based on erratic driving or failure to complete a roadside sobriety test.Contact Our Las Vegas DUI Defense Attorney TodayIf you or your child has been charged with an underage DUI offense in Las Vegas, Nevada, contact Adras & Altig for a free, fully confidential case evaluation. We believe everyone deserves a fresh start, and our lawyers will help you understand your charges, the potential penalties, and your rights.About the AuthorLatest PostsAdras & Altig, Attorneys at LawAt Adras & Altig, we believe that every client we work with deserves a fresh start. Our dedicated Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys take the time to get to know you so we can understand the circumstances surrounding your arrest.DUI vs. Wet Reckless in NevadaWhat Happens When a Minor Under 21 Gets a DUI in Nevada?What Is Domestic Battery First Degree?

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