Most individuals know that it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content level above .08 as an adult. Well, for minors, this number changes. In fact, in New York, there is a zero tolerance stance for minors driving while intoxicated.
Any minor found to have a BAC between .02 and .07 can be charged and given an administrative hearing by the DMV where they may be convicted of driving after having consumed alcohol. When this happens, it’s typically only the minor who is guilty and no other parties are pursued. However, this isn’t always the case. There may be other people who contributed.
When a Minor Is Served Alcohol
In most cases, the minor’s decision to drive intoxicated is his or her own fault. However, there may be contributing factors such as whether or not a bar served the minor, or if a house party was the location of the alcohol consumption.
In these cases, the individuals who provided the minor with alcohol may be guilty of supplying alcohol to minor. While it doesn’t take away from the minors guilt, it does add an element if the host knew of the minor’s alcohol consumption.
What Parents Can Tell Their Children
For parents, knowing their child is charged with something as serious as a DWI, it can be devastating. If this is the case, hiring someone to defend them is important. However, if there is a chance before the arrest, parents should explain the consequences to their children and discuss the importance of not drinking and driving.
The more information parents can give their children, the more understanding they’ll have to help prevent the DWI from occurring in the first place. However, if it happens, know that you should seek legal help as quickly as possible.
At Foley Griffin, our Nassau County DWI attorneys represent individuals charged with an array of crimes, including driving while intoxicated. We understand the various defenses available to those arrested and we work hard to build a strong case on our clients’ behalves.
If you or your child have been arrested as a minor for a DWI, we may be able to help. Let us put our experience to work for you.
Call us at (888) 966-8480 for a consultation.