Advising Underage Individuals Of Their Rights In DWI Cases

Even though underage drinking comes with its own set of negative consequences, underage drinking and driving holds far worse consequences for young people throughout North Carolina. In addition to steep fines and the possibility of jail, a conviction for driving after consuming alcohol under 21 — also called an underage DWI — on your criminal record could negatively affect your ability to get jobs, maintain a scholarship, rent an apartment or even get into some schools in the future.

At The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett, we understand that mistakes happen and want to ensure young people are not constantly haunted by this fact for the rest of their lives. At our law firm, our attorney uses his extensive criminal defense experience to fight back against underage drinking violations, including underage DWI. He will look at every aspect of your case to not only defend your rights, but also identify circumstances that could lead to your charges being dismissed or reduced to a lesser charge.

Penalties For Drinking And Driving Under The Age Of 21

Those who choose to drink alcohol and drive while under the age of 21 need to understand the consequences they could face if they are stopped by police. Like many states, North Carolina is a zero tolerance state, meaning those under the age of 21 are not permitted to have any level of alcohol in their system — unlike over-21 adults who face drunk driving charges when their BAC reaches .08.

Additionally, North Carolina is an implied-consent state, which means if you are under 21 and caught driving after consuming alcohol, you must submit to chemical testing. If you refuse, you could be subject to additional penalties under the law.

If you are charged with driving after consuming alcohol under 21, you will lose your license for a year, and you could end up paying hundreds of dollars in fines. Also, you will gain four points on your license and you could see as much as a 400 percent increase in your insurance over the next three years.

We Can Help You Fight The Charges Against You

At The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett, we never want to see young people suffer life-long consequences for mistakes they will likely live to regret, which is why we will work to have your charges dismissed or lowered. If dismissal is not possible, we will work to try to get you limited driving privileges, also known as a restricted license, so that you will have the ability to drive to work or school while your license is suspended.

Attorney Kevin L. Barnett is known for his dedication to getting the best possible results for his clients. As such, you can rest assured knowing he will explore all of your options and helping you work toward the ones that allow you to move forward with your life.

Put Skill, Experience And Dedication In Your Corner

Law enforcement take underage DWI offenses very seriously in our state, which forces young people to face adult issues they may not be prepared to handle on their own. At our law firm, we give young people a fighting chance by defending their rights and seeking the best possible outcomes for their situation.

If you would like to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your rights with attorney Kevin L. Barnett, don’t hesitate to contact us right away. We’re quick to respond to any emergency and will answer all your questions. Call our Charlotte office at 704-334-2044, or contact us online using our contact form.