Teen DUI vs. Adult DUI: The Difference in Penalties According to Top DUI Lawyer in Georgia

The penalties can be significant when you are over 21 and get your first DUI. You may lose your driver’s license, have to pay a fine, and even go to jail. But what about when you are under 21? If you are a teenager and get your first DUI, the penalties can be even more severe. This blog post will discuss the differences between teen DUI penalties and adult DUI penalties. At Rohan Law, we have decades of experience in the Atlanta community representing teens and adult drivers with criminal charges, including DUIs.

 

As we all know, drinking and driving is a huge no-no. It puts yourself and others at risk. The consequences can be disastrous. You can cause an accident and injure yourself and others. You can even get killed or kill someone else. There can be major consequences to your driving record if you are pulled over, no matter what age you are.

 

As a parent, you need to talk to your kids about the risks of drinking and driving. Rohan Law founding Attorney Doug Rohan knows firsthand that this may not be easy. He is a teen driver dad himself and advises that you tell your teens about the legal consequences. Make sure they know the possible consequences to make smart decisions if they find themselves in that situation.

 

If you are caught driving under the influence as a teenager, you may face the following penalties:

– A license suspension of up to one year

– A fine of up to $500

– Up to six months in jail

If your teen gets a DUI, their license will be automatically suspended for a minimum of six months. In addition, they will be required to attend an alcohol education program and may be required to install an ignition interlock device in their car. They will also face significant fines and court fees. If your teen is convicted of DUI, it will go on their permanent record. This can have a major impact on their future, including college applications and job opportunities.

 

If you are over 21, the penalties for a DUI can also be serious. You may lose your license, have to pay a fine, or even go to jail. Unlike with a teen DUI, there is no mandatory minimum sentence for an adult DUI in Georgia. However, if you are convicted of a DUI, you will have a criminal record. This can make it difficult to find a job or get into college. For a first adult offense, the penalties can include:

-A license suspension of up to one year

-A fine of up to $1000

-Up to one year in jail

                                                                             

 

If you or your teenager has been charged with a DUI, it is important to talk to an experienced attorney as soon as possible. The attorneys at Rohan Law have represented hundreds of clients facing DUI charges in Atlanta and the surrounding areas. Some DUI charges can get reduced to lesser penalties, which can be critical for drivers, especially teens. And in some cases, charges can get dropped altogether. When you contact us, we will review your case details, evidence, and driving record and provide you with a plan. Make sure you have a copy of the citation when you contact us. We will need to pull up the police notes, and it also helps to know what county the citation was issued in because different counties can vary in the way they handle these charges. We will work tirelessly to get the best possible outcome in your case. Call Rohan Law today for a free case evaluation at (404) 923-0446!