Underage Drunk Driving Leads to Driving Revocation
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Colorado law takes underage drinking and driving seriously with strict penalties, including driving revocation. This means if you drink and drive as a minor, the consequence is the loss of your driving privileges. In fact, when sentenced to driving revocation, early reinstatement is not available for minors in almost every case.
What Causes Minors to Lose Driving Privileges?
Any amount of alcohol in your system while driving results in the loss of your driving privileges. This is driving revocation. Your Blood Alcohol Content, or BAC, and the charges against you determine the length of the revocation.
The penalties may include:
- Driving revocation
- Payment of a fee to reinstate your driving privileges
- Presentation of proof of liability insurance
- Requirement to retake your written and drive exams
- Points against your license
- Fines or even jail time
- Required public service hours
- Attendance in an alcohol training program
UDD Revocation Periods
When convicted of criminal UDD, or underage drunk driving, you face driving revocation. If your BAC is between 0.02 and 0.05, you may receive a UDD charge.
- First Offense – 3 months
- Second Offense – 6 months
- Third and More Offenses – 1 year
- Any UDD Offense with an Accident – 3 years
Underage Excess BAC of 0.05 to 0.079 Revocation Period
For minors falling into the BAC range for a DWAI adult offense, the period of driving revocation is like a UDD conviction. The primary difference is that after the first offense, you must retake the eye, written and drive exam for reinstatement.
- First Offense – 3 months
- Second Offense – 6 months
- Third and More Offenses – 1 year
- Any Offense with an Accident – 3 years
Underage DUI Revocation Periods
Any minor convicted of criminal DUI will lose their driving privileges for one year on the first offense. In addition, you must retake the eye, written and drive exam. There is no option for early reinstatement.
- First Offense – 1 year
- DUI Offense with an Accident – 3 years
Minor Drivers (under 21) – Alcohol-related Driving Revocations and Reinstatement Eligibility
| Type Of Offense | Revocation Authority | Length of Revocation | Regular Reinstatement Requirements | Early Reinstatement Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Offense-Excess BAC < 0.150 | C.R.S. § 42-2-126(3)(a)(I)(A) | 9 months |
| No Eligible |
| 1st Offense-Excess BAC ≥ 0.150 (PDD) | C.R.S. § 42-2-126(3)(a)(I)(A) | 9 months |
| No Eligible |
| 1st Offense-Excess BAC Underage ≥ 0.02, but < 0.05 | C.R.S. § 42-2-126(3)(b)(I) & C.R.S. § 42-2-126(3)(b)(II)(A) | 3 months |
| Not Eligible – but may rerquest a PDL after serving 30 days of the revocation |
| 1st Offense-Excess BAC Underage ≥ 0.05, but < 0.79 | C.R.S. § 42-2-126(3)(b)(I) | 3 months |
| Not Eligible |
| 2nd Offense-Excess BAC Underage | C.R.S. § 42-2-126(3)(b)(I) | 6 months |
| Not Eligible |
What to do if You or Your Underage Child is Charged with an Alcohol Offense
We understand that as a parent it is scary and frustrating to get the call that your child faces an alcohol related charge. If you are under 21, an alcohol charge, whether while driving or not, creates, uncertainty for your future. You risk damaging your reputation along with penalties like fines, jail time and lost driving privileges.
However, in the face of this situation do not provide any more information than required. Any information you volunteer becomes evidence for the prosecutors. For example, don’t vent about other times you’ve been in trouble or discuss what you’ve consumed.
How to Fight a Driving Revocation for Minors
The best solution is to contact DUI Law Firm Denver before you’re sentenced to a driving revocation. When you face a charge for underage drinking and driving, immediately contact us.
We go to work right away to give you the best chance possible to avoid conviction. We fight using both the law and science. Over the years, we’ve seen it all. Our experience and knowledge help you receive the defense you want and deserve.
FREE Initial Consultation
Our initial consultation is free. There’s zero risk to talk to us about your options. We have the experience you need to make the best case for you or your child. Contact us today!