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Zero Tolerance Laws

Drinking and driving is a serious issue among teens. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), young drivers are 17 times more likely to die in a crash when they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. Due to this, Florida has implemented stringent zero tolerance laws to deter minors from driving.

These laws mean persons under the age of 21 face additional consequences for drinking. It also means that the blood alcohol concentration level for teens is much lower than adults. If you or someone you know has been arrested for an underage DUI, then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney.

DUI Attorney for Zero Tolerance Laws in West Palm Beach, FL

Have you or your child been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Florida? If so, it’s important you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. The penalties for underaged drunk drivers are serious and could affect you or your child’s life for a long period.

Call Meltzer & Bell, P.A. to speak to an experienced and skilled attorney. Our defense lawyers understand how stressful these charges can be, so we will do anything in our power to reduce or dismiss them entirely. Contact us now at (561) 557-8686 to set up your first consultation free. 

Meltzer & Bell, P.A. accepts clients throughout the greater Palm Beach County area including Wellington, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach.

Overview of Zero Tolerance Laws in FL

• The Legal Limit for Underaged Drivers in FL
• Penalties for DUI
• Additional Resources

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The Legal Limit for Underaged Drivers in Florida

It’s illegal to drive under the influence in any state. However, if you’re a minor in Florida the legal limit is much more stringent. Thanks to zero tolerance laws underaged drivers face a much stricter legal limit. Normally, the legal limit is .08 BAC if you’re pulled over for DUI.

However, for people under the age of 21 it’s different. Instead the BAC limit is only .02 for them to be charged with driving under the influence. It’s important to know that .02 is very little alcohol content. For some people, having one or two drinks can result in a .02 BAC. This means a young adult driver could be charged with DUI even if they aren’t intoxicated at all. 

In addition, young drivers who have violated zero tolerance laws must have their license suspended. So, you will face a suspension even if the officer doesn’t arrest and charge you. Violating zero tolerance laws will result in a one-year suspension term. A second zero tolerance violation will lead to an eighteen-month suspension. 

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Penalties for Violating Zero Tolerance Laws in Florida

Drivers between the ages of 18-20 may have different blood alcohol content guidelines, but they still face the same penalties. These penalties are serious and can severely impact your daily life. It could even mean jail or prison time as a condition of your sentencing.

A first offense DUI conviction can result in:

• Up to six months in jail;
• Up to 50 hours of community Service;
• Vehicle impoundment;
• Mandatory drug or alcohol counseling;
• One-year license suspension; and
• A possible fine up to $1,000.

A second DUI offense can result in:

• Up to nine months in jail;
• Up to 50 hours of community Service;
• Vehicle impoundment;
• Mandatory drug or alcohol counseling;
• One-year license suspension; and
• Possible fine between $1,000 and $2,000.

A third DUI offense can result in:

• Up to 12 months in prison;
• Up to 50 hours of community Service;
• Vehicle impoundment;
• Mandatory drug or alcohol counseling;
• License suspension; and
• Possible fine between $2,000 and $5,000

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Additional Resources

Florida DUI Laws – Visit the official website for Florida’s Legislation to read more on their DUI laws. Access the site to find more information on penalties, admissible defenses, suspension terms, diversion programs and other related information.

Alcohol and Drug Prevention – Visit University of Tampa's website, and see the underage drinking information adapted from the University of Central Florida's "Florida Spring Break Survival Guide". Read different laws regarding underage alcohol drinkers and drug  users in citizen's language. 

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Lawyer for Zero Tolerance DUI in Palm Beach County, FL

If you or someone you know has been arrested for violating zero tolerance laws, then it’s important you seek an experienced criminal defense attorney. Call us now at [firm] to speak to an attorney equipped with the information and knowledge needed to fight your case. 

Meltzer & Bell, P.A. accepts calls at (561) 557-8686 at any time to set up your first consultation free. We represent people throughout the Palm Beach County area including Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Wellington and Jupiter.

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