Juvenile DUI Attorney in Harrisburg

Your Child Deserves Strong Defense—Call Today

Facing a juvenile DUI charge in Harrisburg, PA, can be overwhelming. At The Dorward Law Firm, we understand the seriousness of these charges and are dedicated to safeguarding your child's future. 

Our personalized approach, grounded in over a decade of experience, is tailored to provide the best possible defense. Shawn Dorward leads our team with a deep knowledge of DUI laws and procedures, ensuring your family navigates this challenging time with confidence.

What truly sets us apart is our commitment to understanding the unique aspects of juvenile cases. Our team is skilled in crafting defense strategies that consider both the immediate legal hurdles and the long-term implications for young individuals.

Let a skilled juvenile DUI attorney in Harrisburg guide your family through the legal process. Call (717) 429-0411 now or contact us online for a free consultation

Understanding Pennsylvania's Juvenile DUI Laws

In Pennsylvania, a "minor" refers to any individual under the age of 21. Because minors are not legally permitted to consume alcohol, Pennsylvania has enacted specific laws to address underage drinking and driving, distinct from the adult DUI statute (75 Pa.C.S.A. § 3802).

Underage DUI (75 Pa.C.S.A. § 3802(e)) - "Zero Tolerance":

This is the primary statute for underage DUI charges when alcohol is involved. It is a "Zero Tolerance" law, also often referred to as Act 122.

A person under 21 years of age commits an offense if the person drives, operates, or is in actual physical control of the movement of a vehicle after imbibing a sufficient amount of alcohol such that the alcohol concentration in the minor's blood or breath is at least 0.02% but less than 0.08% within two hours after the individual has driven, operated or been in actual physical control of the movement of the vehicle.

General Impairment DUI (BAC of 0.08% to less than 0.10% or Impaired to Safely Drive) for Minors:

If a minor's BAC is 0.08% or higher (the adult legal limit), or if they are otherwise impaired by alcohol or drugs to the extent that they are incapable of safely driving, operating, or being in actual physical control of the vehicle, they will be charged with the standard DUI offense.

Penalties for Underage DUI Convictions in Pennsylvania

The penalties for an underage DUI conviction in Pennsylvania are severe and designed to deter underage drinking and driving. They often involve a combination of court-imposed and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) imposed sanctions. These penalties escalate for repeat offenses, and the impact can be profoundly negative on a young person's future.

For an underage first-offense DUI the penalties may include:

• Jail Time: Up to 90 days in jail (though often not imposed if ARD is granted or for lower BACs).
• Fines: $300 to $500.
• License Suspension: Mandatory 12-month license suspension.
• Alcohol Highway Safety School: Mandatory attendance.
• Treatment: Mandatory drug and alcohol assessment and compliance with any recommended treatment.
• Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Effective October 2018, ARD-eligible individuals under 21 with a 30-day or 60-day license suspension (based on BAC tiers) may be immediately eligible for an Ignition Interlock Limited License (IILL) during the suspension period. This allows driving with an IID instead of a full suspension. However, those under 21 convicted of an underage DUI generally face a 12-month license suspension and are not immediately eligible for an IILL, needing to serve a portion of their suspension first. A juvenile DUI attorney in Harrisburg will clarify IID eligibility.

Additional Consequences

Beyond the immediate legal penalties, an underage DUI or related alcohol offense conviction in Pennsylvania can have profound and lasting collateral consequences that can derail a young person's future. A juvenile DUI attorney in Harrisburg works diligently to prevent these devastating impacts.

• College Admissions: A criminal record (especially for standard DUI misdemeanor convictions) can negatively impact college applications, particularly for competitive programs or those requiring professional licenses.
• Scholarships and Financial Aid: Many scholarships and federal student aid (FAFSA) programs have clauses that can disqualify individuals with drug or alcohol-related convictions.
• School Disciplinary Actions: Your high school or university may impose its own disciplinary actions, including suspension, expulsion, or mandatory alcohol education.
• Employment Opportunities: Many employers conduct background checks. A DUI conviction can make it difficult to secure internships, part-time jobs, or future career opportunities, especially those requiring driving, a clean background, or involving work with children.
• Increased Insurance Rates: Your automobile insurance premiums will likely skyrocket, as you will be considered a high-risk driver. Some insurance providers may even refuse to cover you.
• Loss of Driving Privileges: Even after a suspension period ends, obtaining or maintaining a driver's license can be challenging due to requirements for Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs), fees, and SR-22 insurance. PennDOT suspensions for underage alcohol offenses are serious and accumulate.
• Social Stigma: A conviction can lead to a damaged reputation among peers, family, and in the community.
• Travel Restrictions: For certain countries, a criminal record, even a misdemeanor, can impact future travel plans.
• Professional Licenses: Future professional licenses (e.g., medical, law, nursing) can be denied or revoked due to criminal convictions.

These long-term impacts underscore why fighting an underage DUI/DUID charge with a Harrisburg juvenile DUI attorney is so critical, even for a first offense.

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