Teenagers can make regrettable mistakes, including ones that come with serious consequences. Teenagers who drink and drive in Washington may face criminal charges. Upon conviction, the young person might deal with a lifetime criminal record. Those who cause accidents while intoxicated may face a civil lawsuit and harsher criminal charges.
Teens and drunk driving
Although someone must be 21 to purchase alcohol, 11% of all U.S. alcohol consumption comes from underaged users. The misuse and abuse of alcohol lead to more than 4,300 underage drinkers’ deaths per year. Choosing to drink and drive results in many teenage deaths per year.
Numerous awareness programs attempt to warn teens and adults about the dangers of drunk driving. However, multiple factors contribute to intoxicated driving’s prevalence. With teens, peer pressure may play a heavy role. Young persons may not think about the dangers associated with risky behavior, either. Regardless, parents and other adults should take steps to educate teens about the dangers associated with getting behind a car’s wheel intoxicated.
Legal consequences
Washington state’s DUI laws address underage drunk driving. The penalties could result in a maximum suspended license for four years and up to 90 days in jail. The other penalties include fines and probation. The teenager might not receive the maximum penalties, as several factors contribute to sentencing decisions.
There are ways to challenge a DUI arrest. If the police lacked the requisite reasonable suspicion to make a stop, the charges might end up dismissed. The Breathalyzer could be improperly calibrated. Sometimes, breath tests result in false positives. Proving the accused was not impaired at the time of the arrest could overcome the prosecutor’s case.
Teenage drunk driving remains a problem in the United States. Teens who drink and drive may regret their decision if they cause an accident or face criminal charges.
