Driving Under Twenty One After Consuming Alcohol or Marijuana

Laws for driving under the influence of alcohol or marijuana in Everett, Washington, are very regulated. This is especially true when it comes to drivers who are under the age of 21.

Washington has a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21 who have a measurable amount of alcohol in their system. In fact, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for a driver under 21 is 0.00%. Yes, you read that right—zero percent.

If you are under 21 and found to have any trace of alcohol while driving, you can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) or a minor in possession (MIP) violation, both of which can lead to steep consequences, including fines, license suspension, and potential criminal charges.

In addition to alcohol, marijuana use is a concern for drivers under 21. Washington legalized recreational marijuana, but this only applies to adults who are 21 and older. So if you are a minor caught driving under the influence of marijuana in Everett, you can face the same DUI penalties you would if it were an alcohol offense.

Law enforcement uses standardized field sobriety tests and drug recognition experts to determine impairment due to marijuana. And, as you can see, the laws are strict for those under 21. Any consumption of marijuana or alcohol, regardless of whether it impairs your driving ability or not, is still considered an offense. The consequences are designed to deter underage drivers from engaging in these kinds of risky behaviors and ultimately protect public safety.

These charges can have long-term effects on your driving record and future employment opportunities. Some drivers under 21 who are facing these charges can find it much more difficult to regain their driving privileges or secure a good job that requires a clean record. For these reasons and more, you want to have a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney in your corner.

Washington State Laws Governing Driving Under 21 After Consuming Alcohol or Marijuana

Here are some of the more specific statutes you might come across when it comes to driving under the influence when under age 21.

RCW 46.61.503

This statute clearly outlines the general DUI laws that are in effect in Washington. For those over the age of 21, the legal BAC is 0.08%; however, it is zero for those under 21, as we have already mentioned.

This statute also talks about DUIs specifically for minors and outlines the penalties involved if the minor is caught driving under the influence of alcohol or marijuana. They can face the same penalties as adults.

RCW 46.61.506

This statute states that if someone (including minors) is suspected of being under the influence, they must submit to chemical testing (e.g., breath, blood, or urine tests). If someone under 21 refuses these tests, they can face automatic penalties, including the suspension of their driver’s license for a year.

RCW 46.20.265

This statute covers minors in possession of alcohol charges, applicable to drivers under 21 who are found to possess marijuana or alcohol. If caught, they can face additional penalties under this particular statute.

These laws just show how serious Washington is about underage drinking and drug use, especially when it comes to impaired driving. The zero-tolerance policy for minors helps ensure that any measurable amount of alcohol or marijuana in a younger driver’s system can result in criminal charges and serious penalties.

Everett is located alongside Puget Sound and has busy city streets, local attractions, and tons of access to nearby recreational spaces. However, there is still the temptation for underage drivers to consume alcohol or marijuana and get behind the wheel. Whether they are attending a concert at the arena or just enjoying the scenic views in the area, they must still understand the consequences of these charges.

With local high schools, colleges, and social venues frequented by minors in the area, the need for more awareness and education on the dangers of impaired driving is so important. This is why the Everett Police Department works closely with community organizations to provide educational programs designed to deter underage drinking and driving.

The Value of a Criminal Defense Attorney for These Charges in Everett

A criminal defense attorney is invaluable if you currently find yourself facing DUI charges under 21 in Everett, Washington. They can provide expert guidance and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Their expertise also covers challenging the evidence, negotiating for reduced penalties, or even securing a dismissal of charges in some cases. With the potential for severe consequences, such as license suspension, fines, and a permanent criminal record, having a skilled attorney greatly increases the chances of achieving a more favorable outcome.

We firmly believe that every DUI charge can be successfully challenged in some way. Our attorneys have been handling driving under the influence cases throughout these parts of Washington for years.

So if you or a loved one are facing a DUI charge under 21, it’s time to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney who can take the necessary steps to ensure your case has a chance of a favorable outcome.

Our Everett DUI attorneys are experienced, aggressive lawyers who will fight to minimize penalties, protect your driving privileges, and help you avoid jail time.

In many respects, a driving under twenty one after consuming alcohol charge is similar to a DUI. Most individuals have heard that it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content above .08. However, most minors don’t realize that if they are under 21, the legal limit is .02. That is an extremely low amount. No amount of marijuana in your system is legal if you are under 21.

This charge is a misdemeanor, which means the maximum penalty is 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. This is lower than a DUI which has a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine.

Just like with an MIP charge, this is often the first time an individual has ever been in trouble. The problem with this charge is the driving component. Many prosecutors will be especially concerned with the minor’s conduct because they possibly endangered the lives of other people on the roadway, including maybe even passengers.