Underage DWI is not taken lightly in Minnesota. Under the Not a Drop Law, Minnesota Statute section 169A.33 states: “It is a crime for a person under the age of 21 years to drive, operate or be in physical control of a motor vehicle while consuming alcoholic beverages, or after having consumed alcoholic beverages while there is physical evidence of the consumption present in the person’s body.”

What this means is that, if you are under the age of 21, it is against the law to operate ANY vehicle after consuming ANY alcohol. One sip of beer, one cider, one shot of rum and you could be looking at serious consequences.

Pulled over for Underage DWI? Speak to a Minneapolis Not a Drop Lawyer

Even if this is your first offense, you could still be looking at a misdemeanor conviction and a loss of your license. Most teenaged drivers have been waiting months, if not years, to finally have the freedom of their own license. However, one mistake can end up putting you back in the passenger seat for a long time. You could be looking at a license suspension of anywhere from 30 to 180 days. Under the Minnesota zero tolerance law, you could be looking at up to 90 days in jail and a $1000 fine.

Accused of Underage DWI under Vanessa’s Law? Contact Minneapolis DWI lawyer Judith Samson for legal advice

In May 2004, Vanessa’s Law was put into effect across Minnesota in honor of Vanessa Weiss, who was killed in a car accident just days before her 16^th birthday. She was a passenger in a vehicle driven by an unlicensed 15 year old. The law applies to those under the age of 18 and includes:

• An unlicensed teen who received a crash-related moving violation or an alcohol/controlled substance-related violation (a violation of one or more statutes, including DWI, Implied Consent, Open Bottle, or Underage Drinking and Driving/Not a Drop Law) cannot be given a license, including an instruction permit or provisional license, until age 18. When this person turns 18, s/he must pass the driver’s license knowledge test, obtain an instruction permit and hold it for at least six months, and then pass the road test.
• A provisional license holder whose driving privilege was revoked due to a crash-related moving violation or an alcohol/controlled substance-related violation cannot regain a license until age 18. At that time, the person must fulfill all reinstatement requirements, including the payment of fees which can be up to $680 depending on circumstances, complete the classroom portion of a formal driver education course, pass the driver’s license knowledge test and obtain an instruction permit and hold it for three months

Call Judith Samson, Minnesota DWI Lawyer at 612-333-8001 Today!

If you are under the age of 21 and have been pulled over for a DWI suspicion, then your best bet is to contact an experienced DWI attorney right away. Is it really worth risking your license, your rights on the road and your reputation? With the right Minneapolis underage DWI lawyer, you may be able to avoid any criminal conviction and possibly walk away with a clean slate. It all depends on your situation, your representation and what county court you are facing.

For fast, effective and aggressive legal representation, contact experienced Minneapolis DWI attorney Judith Samson 24/7 at 612-333-8001.