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.