Zero Tolerance Laws

From popular drinks such as beer and wine to potent liquors like vodka and gin, individuals can find their favorite alcoholic beverage at practically any restaurant or bar, as well as the many well-stocked grocery and convenience stores located across the nation. However, despite such easy accessibility to the substance, the use of alcohol is closely regulated in the United States. Under federal law, individuals must be 21 or older in order to possess or purchase alcohol in any state. What’s more, although it is against the law for anyone to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol (DUI), due to Zero Tolerance Laws, underage drivers face particularly tough drinking and driving regulations.

As the name implies, a Zero Tolerance Law prohibits minors from driving with any amount of alcohol in their system. Depending on state law, this means an underage driver can be arrested and charged with criminal DUI if his or her blood alcohol content (BAC) is anything other than 0.00%—and, in some cases, that may take require only one drink.

The penalties for violating Zero Tolerance Laws vary based on the state in which the driver was charged. In some areas, the offender may lose his or her driving privileges if convicted of the offense, while others may impose hefty fines and sentence the individual to probation or community service.

Many states also have laws preventing the use of alcohol on school property. Unfortunately, these laws do not often consider different types of alcohol, which means a student who is caught using mouthwash, for instance, is likely to face the same charges and penalties as someone who consumes a large amount of liquor on school premises.

In addition to punishing minors who violate their state’s Zero Tolerance Law, many areas also have Adult Responsibility Laws to penalize adults who are caught purchasing or furnishing alcohol to a minor. Depending on the state, however, these laws may not apply in cases where parental consent was given to the youth.

If you were recently arrested for underage DUI, or just want to learn more about your state’s Zero Tolerance Laws, make sure you contact an experienced DUI defense attorney in your area today. Remember, in the eyes of the law, ignorance does not excuse crime—so even if you were unaware you were breaking a law, you can still be charged with drinking and driving.

Protect your rights and your future. Fill in a free online case evaluation today to locate the right attorney for your case.

States and Cities:
AK	Alaska, Anchorage	LA	Louisiana, New Orleans	OH	Ohio, Cincinnati
AL	Alabama, Montgomery	MA	Massachusetts, Boston	OK	Oklahoma, Tulsa
AR	Arkansas, Little Rock	MD	Maryland, Baltimore	OR	Oregon, Portland
AZ	Arizona, Phoenix	ME	Maine, Portland	PA	Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
CA	California, Los Angeles	MI	Michigan, Detroit	RI	Rhode Island, Providence
CO	Colorado, Denver	MN	Minnesota, Duluth	SC	South Carolina, Charleston
CT	Connecticut, Hartford	MO	Missouri, Branson	SD	South Dakota, Sioux Falls
DE	Delaware, Wilmington	MS	Mississippi, Jackson	TN	Tennessee, Nashville
FL	Florida, Orlando	MT	Montana, Bozeman	TX	Texas, Houston
GA	Georgia, Atlanta	NC	North Carolina, Charoltte	UT	Utah, Salt Lake City
HI	Hawaii, Honolulu	ND	North Dakota, Fargo	VT	Vermont, Burlington
IA	Iowa, Des Moines	NE	Nebraska, Omaha	VA	Virginia, Richmond
ID	Idaho, Boise	NH	New Hampshire, Portsmouth	WA	Washington, Seattle
IL	Illinois, Chicago	NJ	New Jersey, Newark	WI	Wisconsin, Milwaukee
IN	Indiana, Indianapolis	NM	New Mexico, Albuquerque	WV	West Virginia, Charleston
KS	Kansas, Kansas City	NV	Nevada, Las Vegas	WY	Wyoming, Cheyenne
KY	Kentucky, Lexington	NY	New York, New York	DC	Washington DC