Is it illegal for minors to have any detectable amount of alcohol in their system while operating a vehicle?

Yes, it is illegal for any person under 21 years of age to operate a motor vehicle with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system. This is referred to as “Zero Tolerance” and is considered a DUI violation. A minor who is caught operating a vehicle with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system could face severe penalties such as license suspension and jail time.

Do minors receive the same punishment for DUI violations as adults?

No, minors who are convicted of any type of DUI violation will generally receive less stringent punishments than adult offenders. However, minors may still receive penalties such as license suspension, DUI school enrollment, and fines. In addition, the judge may also order community service or any other type of punishment deemed suitable by the court in lieu of jail time.

What happens if a minor refuses to take a breathalyzer test?

If a minor is asked to take a breathalyzer test after being suspected of driving under the influence, they must comply. Refusing to take a breathalyzer test is considered an automatic admission of guilt and carries serious consequences. A minor who refuses to take a breathalyzer will likely face license suspension, fines, and other penalties as determined by the court.

Will a minor's license be automatically suspended?

Yes, any minor who is convicted of a DUI violation will have their license automatically suspended. In Connecticut the length of suspension ranges from 3 months to 2 years depending on the severity of the offense and any prior DUI convictions. For minors under 18 years of age, the DMV may also impose additional restrictions such as mandatory enrollment in a driver safety or alcohol awareness program.

Are there any other consequences for underage DUI?

Yes, in addition to license suspension and fines, minors who are convicted of DUI may also face criminal penalties such as jail time or probation. A minor’s driving record will also be affected and they may be required to obtain special insurance coverage or participate in an alcohol treatment program. Minors convicted of DUI may also face social consequences such as stigma, loss of employment opportunities, and difficulty getting into college.

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Underage DUI

Fighting Underage DUI Cases in Connecticut

Avon and New London, CT Underage DUI Attorneys

DUI penalties in Connecticut are very harsh. However, if you are underage and caught drinking and driving, the situation can become life-changing. If you or your dependent has been charged with an underage DUI, you need experienced legal counsel to get you through this challenging ordeal. That is why the Law Offices of Pat Brown is here for you, ready to build the strongest case on your behalf and fight to get your charges reduced or dismissed.

Underage DUI Explained

In Connecticut, if you are operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it can be a criminal offense. The state's rules indicate that if you are over the age of 21, your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) cannot be over the legal limit of .08%. However, if you are under the age of 21, your BAC cannot be over .02%.

Penalties for Underage DUI

The penalties for a drunk driving conviction depend on multiple factors. For instance, if a driver was 16 years old, with a BAC of over .02%, but it is their first drunk driving conviction, the consequences can include:

If this is a second drunk driving conviction, the jail time can increase up to two years. Every situation and every case is unique, and that's why professional counsel is a must.

The Law Offices of Pat Brown Can Help

As a former federal prosecutor and federal public defender who has tried numerous cases in the United States Federal Courts, Attorney Pat Brown has advanced knowledge of the day-to-day process of the legal system and understands how prosecutors think. That is why the Law Offices of Pat Brown is more than capable of taking on even the most challenging criminal cases and representing those accused of crimes all over Connecticut.

Get the Legal Help You Need Following an Underage DUI Charge in CT

At the Law Offices of Pat Brown, we want to make sure you take all the proper procedures to defend yourself against these underage DUI charges. That is why our firm is ready to fight for your rights and provide you the legal help you need. Do not wait any longer — contact the Law Offices of Pat Brown today for a free case evaluation.

Contact Us Today

For more information call us at (860) 321-7722 or click the button below to contact us online.

Our DUI Services

For more information about underage DUI or to schedule a free consultation, call us at (860) 321-7722 or visit our contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it illegal for minors to have any detectable amount of alcohol in their system while operating a vehicle?

Yes, it is illegal for any person under 21 years of age to operate a motor vehicle with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system. This is referred to as “Zero Tolerance” and is considered a DUI violation. A minor who is caught operating a vehicle with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system could face severe penalties such as license suspension and jail time.
Do minors receive the same punishment for DUI violations as adults?

No, minors who are convicted of any type of DUI violation will generally receive less stringent punishments than adult offenders. However, minors may still receive penalties such as license suspension, DUI school enrollment, and fines. In addition, the judge may also order community service or any other type of punishment deemed suitable by the court in lieu of jail time.
What happens if a minor refuses to take a breathalyzer test?

If a minor is asked to take a breathalyzer test after being suspected of driving under the influence, they must comply. Refusing to take a breathalyzer test is considered an automatic admission of guilt and carries serious consequences. A minor who refuses to take a breathalyzer will likely face license suspension, fines, and other penalties as determined by the court.
Will a minor's license be automatically suspended?

Yes, any minor who is convicted of a DUI violation will have their license automatically suspended. In Connecticut the length of suspension ranges from 3 months to 2 years depending on the severity of the offense and any prior DUI convictions. For minors under 18 years of age, the DMV may also impose additional restrictions such as mandatory enrollment in a driver safety or alcohol awareness program.
Are there any other consequences for underage DUI?

Yes, in addition to license suspension and fines, minors who are convicted of DUI may also face criminal penalties such as jail time or probation. A minor’s driving record will also be affected and they may be required to obtain special insurance coverage or participate in an alcohol treatment program. Minors convicted of DUI may also face social consequences such as stigma, loss of employment opportunities, and difficulty getting into college.

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Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a serious offense with significant legal and personal consequences. Whether you're a first-time offender or facing repeat charges, it's crucial to understand the nuances of DUI laws and what to expect if you're charged. In this blog, we'll explore the essential aspects of DUIs to help you navigate the legal landscape.

Comparing DUI Laws: Connecticut vs. Neighboring States

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Can You Refuse a Breathalyzer in Connecticut?

August 24, 2022

Not every DUI stop ends with a breathalyzer test. A police officer may arrest you for DUI based on field sobriety tests such as the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test or Finger-to-Nose Test. These, combined with erratic driving, slurred speech, and the smell of alcohol on your breath, may be enough proof for the arresting officer to document.

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