The National Trial Lawyers - Top 100 Trial Lawyers
BBB Accredited Business
The National Trial Lawyers - Top 40 Under 40
AV Preeminent badge
The National Trial Lawyers - Top 100 Trial Lawyers
National Association of Distinguished Counsel
USCCA Critical Response team
LawyerCentral.com Featured Lawyer badge
Avvo Rating 10.0 Superb badge
Avvo Client's Choice 2014
USCCA badge
Certified badge
Best DUI Attorney - Top Rated badge
10 Best badge
Expertise.com badge

What if I get a DWI and I’m Under the Legal Drinking Age?

Posted by Tillem & Associates, PC || 22-Mar-2016

In New York, the legal drinking age is 21 and older. The state has instituted a “Zero Tolerance” law for drivers under the age of 21 who operate motor vehicles with alcohol/drugs in their system. However, the minimum blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .02%, not 0. The reason is because certain cough syrups and mouthwashes contain alcohol. Also, some families will allow alcohol consumption in small amounts in regards to religious or family functions.

If you are stopped by law enforcement for having consumed alcohol and the arresting officer determines that you are under the legal age and appear intoxicated, you will be temporarily detained in order to participate in a breathalyzer test, typically at the police station. If you refuse to take a breath test, you will be subject to license revocation for a minimum on year.

If your BAC is .02% or more, but not above .07%, you will be charged with a “driving after having consumed alcohol” offense (a zero tolerance violation). You will be given a notice to appear for a hearing before an administrative judge of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

If your BAC is over .05%, but less than .07%, you may be charged with “driving while ability is impaired by alcohol” (DWAI). A first offense is punishable by up to 15 days in jail and a fine between $300 and $500.

If your BAC is over .07%, but less than .08%, you will be charged with DWAI. However, if your BAC is .08% or more, you will be charged with “driving while intoxicated” (DWI). A first offense DWI is punishable by a jail sentence of up to one year, a fine between $500 and $1,000, three years of probation and driver’s license revocation for at least six months.

For more information, contact our White Plains DWI attorney to schedule your complimentary consultation today.

Client Reviews

Thank you again for discussing my case with today. I can not stress enough how impressed I am with your services as an attorney. You have gone above and beyond the call of duty to attempt to help me. Thank you again and best wishes.

Rob

I am writing to send you my heartfelt thanks for your work on my father’s case. You are a wonderful attorney. I was very impressed by you from our first meeting. I am so grateful we were referred to you. If I can ever be of help in providing a reference or anything else, please let me know.

Joanna

I wanted to first say thank you for everything you have done for me in the last several months. You made this very difficult ordeal in my life less stressful and easier to bear. I am grateful for having you as my attorney and I truly feel that you helped me above my expectations. I appreciate...

W.S.

Contact Us

  1. 1 Free Consultation
  2. 2 Available 24/7
  3. 3 Over 25 Years Experience
Fill out the contact form or call us at 877-377-8666 to schedule your free consultation.

Leave Us a Message

Online Payments Available

Pre-Paid Legal Service for Gun Owners