Under 21 DUI and OWI Charges in Mid-Michigan
Michigan Under 21 Drunk Driving Attorneys
In Michigan, the age that someone can legally begin drinking alcohol is 21 years old. So, as you can imagine, a person under 21 who is driving with "any bodily alcohol content" is doing so illegally, even if they are driving normally. "Any bodily alcohol content" is defined as having a BAC of .02 through .07. This is known as a Zero Tolerance law.
One exception to this Zero Tolerance law is if the defendant can prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the presence of alcohol in his or her body is because of a generally recognized religious service or ceremony. However, even still that defendant could be charged with OWI or OWVI if his or her ability to drive was substantially lessened or impaired.
Penalties for the Zero Tolerance law:
First Zero Tolerance Conviction—Misdemeanor
Possible up to 360 hours of community service
Possible fine of up to $250
Driver’s license: 30 days restricted
Driver’s license: 4 points
Driver Responsibility Fees
Second Zero Tolerance Conviction in 7 years—Misdemeanor
Possible up to 93 days in jail
Possible up to 60 days of community service
Possible fine of up to $500
Driver’s license: 90 day suspended, but prior OWI/OWVI results in 365 days revoked
Driver’s license: 4 points
Driver Responsibility Fees
Other under 21 drinking crimes: It is also illegal for anyone under 21 years old to commit Open Intoxicants in a Motor Vehicle, to purchase/consume/possess alcohol, to use a fake ID to buy alcohol, and more. See a skilled defense lawyer if you have been charged with any under 21 drinking crime.
Your Zero Tolerance lawyer:
The attorneys at Kronzek & Cronkright are Michigan’s premier drunk driving defense attorneys. We have been practicing drunk driving defense for over 80 combined years. During that time, we have earned a reputation all across Michigan as being tough defenders of our clients. We know what it takes to get your case dismissed, and we will try hard to find a way to do so.
Contact us today! We offer free initial consultations. Our number is (866) 766-5245!
