Blog

Teen Charged With DUI? Why You Need a Lawyer Now

Posted by Joseph D. Lento | Dec 21, 2023 | 0 Comments

You've talked to your teenager about the dangers of drinking and driving. They know it's not only illegal, it's dangerous to them and everyone else on the road with them. New Jersey law comes down hard on underage drinking and driving, and the consequences are severe. The best way to avoid these consequences, you've explained, is to never get behind the wheel when you've been drinking, regardless of your age.

But now your golden child has gone and done the unimaginable. They've been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. After that rough night in jail, they're facing a world of other penalties. Beyond the suspended license, costly fines, community service, and traffic school — not to mention a good grounding at home — they may end up with a criminal record. An underage DUI on their record can have lasting repercussions. It can result in a criminal charge that shows up on background checks for the rest of the young driver's life — in some cases, that black mark can remain even if the record is sealed or expunged. A DUI on their record can make it more difficult to get into their desired college, impact financial aid and scholarship opportunities, and get them kicked out of student housing.

If police arrest your teen for underage drinking and driving, you need a DUI defense lawyer to help your child avoid the serious penalties and consequences that go along with an underage DUI conviction.

New Jersey Underage DUI Law

Like most other states, adults in New Jersey who are caught driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher will be arrested for DUI. That's about three beers or glasses of wine or a shot of liquor. But that doesn't take into account the various factors that can influence how the body metabolizes alcohol, especially in younger drivers.

The legal drinking age in New Jersey is 21. Of course, that doesn't mean kids can't get their hands on alcohol. And if a teenager is pulled over after having a drink, they only need a BAC of 0.01% to face a DUI charge. That's one 12-ounce beer, which means pretty much any amount of alcohol in your teen's system will land them with a DUI charge if the cops pull them over.

Defend Your Teen's Future. Hire a DUI Defense Lawyer From the Lento Law Firm

You tried your best to counsel your child about the dangers of drinking and driving, but even the best kids can veer off the tracks. If your child has been arrested for underage DUI, the repercussions can go beyond license suspension and costly fines. It can tarnish their education and career goals. You need to act quickly to protect their future. The Lento Law Firm Team has the experience to defend and counsel you and your teen and fight for the best possible outcome in their case. Contact the Lento Criminal Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or through our online form to hear your legal options.

About the Author

Joseph D. Lento

"I pride myself on having heart and driving hard to get results!" Attorney Joseph D. Lento passionately fights for the futures of his clients in criminal courtrooms in New Jersey and nationwide. He does not settle for the easiest outcome, and instead prioritizes his clients' needs and well-being. With unparalleled experience occupying several roles in the criminal justice system outside of being an attorney, Joseph D. Lento can give you valuable behind-the-scenes insight as to what is happening during all phases of the legal process. Joseph D. Lento is licensed in New Jersey and New York, and is admitted pro hac vice as needed nationwide. In the courtroom and in life, attorney Joseph D. Lento stands up when the bell rings!

Comments

There are no comments for this post. Be the first and Add your Comment below.

Leave a Comment

Comments have been disabled.

​​​Contact The Lento Law Firm Today

When it comes to criminal defense cases, you need the right person in your corner. To learn more about how Mr. Lento can help you, call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686. or contact him online.

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

Menu