Minors DUI in Georgia - Under 21
Georgia is a "zero tolerance" state as it applies to drivers who are charged with DUI while under the age of 21. Since any amount of alcohol consumption outside the home is illegal, driving with any measureable amount of alcohol is a violation of the DUI statute. The term "zero tolerance" is not really zero at all.
Georgia DUI law states that the legal limit for a driver under the age of 21 is .02 (rather than .08 for over 21 drivers). It is widely believed that the government has created the .02 legal limit rather than .00 because the Intoxilyzer 5000 breath testing machine has a margin of error of .02. Georgia DUI law mandates that there be two breath tests results, so every person who submits to a breath test will be required to blow twice. The two results must be within .02 of each other to be admissible in court.
How is the DUI Law in Georgia different for Underage Drivers?
Many of the penalties are the same if an Under 21 driver is convicted of DUI in Georgia. The drivers license consequences, however, are more severe. For example, there is no limited driving permit for a driver under 21 who is convicted of DUI. It is a hard suspension with no license to get to school, work, or even medical emergencies.
Drivers License Consequences for Underage DUI in Georgia
The Georgia DUI law statute that governs underage DUI suspensions is OCGA 40-5-57.1.
How Hiring a Top DUI Defense Attorney can make a Difference
The lawyers at the Hawkins Law Firm, PC, have years of experience helping young drivers get back on track after being charged with DUI. As a result of the zero tolerance DUI laws in Georgia, many underage drivers are arrested for DUI even though they are not drunk, or "less safe" to drive a vehicle.
Some prosecutors take a very tough stance on underage DUI cases and have their own "zero tolerance" policies. Other prosecutors are more fair-minded, and realize that there is an important distinction between someone who drives drunk, and someone who may have merely had a taste of alcohol and drove. Our lawyers have experience throughout metro Atlanta is defending underage DUI cases. We have excellent working relationships with prosecutors, judges, and even many DUI police officers.
One the benefits of hiring a top DUI defense lawyer in Georgia at the Hawkins Law Firm, PC, is that our lawyers know what the policies and attitudes different jurisdictions and courts have toward Underage DUI charges. Our lawyers can guide your case through the criminal justice system with the goal of saving your drivers license, keeping you out of jail, and working to keep the DUI off your record.
For Parents
Contact the Hawkins Law Firm
Please contact Attorney Michael Hawkins for a free initial consultation for as soon as possible. Remember that we must send a request for a hearing within 10 business days to save an Under 21 drivers license.