Underage DUI Attorney in Pittsburgh

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With multiple colleges in the Pittsburgh area, there are many opportunities for minors to find themselves in trouble with the legal system. The most common offenses for college students and individuals under the age of 21 are underage drinking, false id and disorderly conduct. Most of these summary offenses can be resolved with relatively little or no impact on the minor's criminal record and no jail time. However, the most significant offense for minors that has the potential for long term impact and jail time is driving under the influence of alcohol as a minor, or underage DUI.

Talk to Frank Walker and his team immediately to get started on effectively fighting your charges and protecting your future.

Start with a FREE evaluation of your case.

Underage DUI BAC Level

Although the legal age to consume alcohol in Pennsylvania is 21 years old, many students find themselves succumbing to peer pressure at college and local parties by engaging in underage drinking. Unfortunately, many of these minors compound the bad decision of underage drinking by attempting to drive while intoxicated. It is important to note that BAC level to be considered impaired as an adult driver in Pennsylvania is 0.08%, but the impairment level for minors is 0.02%. Which means that simply drinking one beer at a party can possibly place you over the legal limit to operate a vehicle.

Pennsylvania's Zero Tolerance Policy for Underage DUI

Section 3802(e) of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code states that a minor may not drive, operate or be in actual physical control of the movement of a vehicle after ingesting a sufficient amount of alcohol to render the minor's BAC level of 0.02%.

Pennsylvania's Zero tolerance policy means that any measureable amount of alcohol in the minor's system can be grounds for an underage DUI charge and possible conviction. The rationale for the zero tolerance policy is that minors are within their first few years of operating a vehicle and just learning the rules of the road, the importance of defensive driving, obeying all warning signs and demonstrating sound judgment behind the wheel of the car. Any substance that may impair the minor's ability to exercise safe driving skills on Pennsylvania roadways may have devastating consequences.

Fighting an Underage DUI Charge

Don't take the "it's just an underage DUI, it can't hurt me too much" approach to a charge of Underage DUI. Pittsburgh law enforcement officials are trained to spot signs of driving under the influence and if the driver is under the age of 21 and intoxicated, a charge of Underage DUI will surely follow.

A conviction for Underage DUI in Pittsburgh or surrounding Western Pennsylvania Counties could mean:

• A loss of license
• Jail time
• Increase in insurance premiums
• A permanent mark on your criminal record
• Hefty fines, costs and mandatory safe driving classes

Further, a conviction for Underage DUI could interfere with college plans, loan applications and eligibility for college financial aid.

Do not leave anything to chance. Fighting a charge of Underage DUI is a must. Contact Pittsburgh Attorney Frank Walker at and have him review your Underage DUI charge before it is too late.

Call (412) 212-3878 to get started.