Teen Drivers and Alcohol and/or Drugs

Teen Drivers DUI Defense Lawyers Representing Clients Accused Driving with Drugs or Alcohol in Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Throughout Michigan

As highly experienced and skilled Michigan drunk driving attorneys, the team at Grabel & Associates knows that when it comes to teenage drivers and drugs and/or alcohol, the combination can be lethal. Our goal is to protect drivers between the ages of 16 and 20 from the serious consequences that can result from an arrest related to operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

In Michigan, it is against the law for individuals under age 21 to:

Consume, buy, or possess beverages containing alcohol. If you are younger than 21, you may transport alcohol in your vehicle only when an adult age 21 or older is in the vehicle with you. Those found to have alcohol in their vehicles without the presence of an adult, whether driving on the road or in a parking lot, may face a misdemeanor charge.

Operate a vehicle when bodily alcohol content is 0.02 or greater; in addition, individuals under 21 must not be found to have alcohol in their system other than what is consumed at religious ceremonies which are generally recognized.

Zero Tolerance Underage

In Michigan, drunk driving laws are tough regarding individuals younger than age 21; the legal blood alcohol limit is lowered, and those who are charged with driving under the influence will face serious consequences. For teens who are charged with OWI (Operating While Intoxicated), a conviction does not always mean you will face jail time, however the damaging implications to your life require the skill of a dedicated and capable Michigan drunk driving lawyer.

Under Michigan's Zero Tolerance law, a minor who is found to be operating a motor vehicle with a BAC (blood alcohol content) of 0.02% to 0.07% will be charged with a first offense DUI. When a minor is determined to have a BAC of 0.08% or higher, he or she may be charged with OWI (Operating While Intoxicated), which carries harsher penalties if convicted. These laws apply to the operation of a motor vehicle on highways, in parking lots, or any location, which is accessible to motor vehicles or open to the general public.

Teen Drivers and Alcohol and/or Drugs

In general, individuals who are age 16 to 20 have far less experience on the road than drivers who have been operating a vehicle for several years. It is a well-known fact that teens are more likely to drive recklessly or at excessive speeds, a tragedy waiting to happen and only compounded when alcohol or drugs are added to the mix.

According to Michigan's Department of State website at Michigan.gov, teen female drivers are 54 times more likely to lose their lives in a single vehicle crash when a BAC level is 0.05% than females the same age who drive sober. For males, the statistics are a bit lower - a male teenage driver with a BAC of 0.05% is 18 times more likely to lose his life in a single vehicle crash than his sober counterparts.

Illegal drugs and substances can have a very similar impact to alcohol when it comes to driving under their influence. Marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and other drugs can be as dangerous or even more so than alcohol when it comes to driving. In addition, many prescription and non-prescription drugs and medications cause side effects that may impact a teen's ability to operate a vehicle safely.

Some of the side effects associated with illegal drugs and prescription/non-prescription medications include drowsiness, excitability, and feelings of euphoria. Combining alcohol and drugs can lead to devastating results for teen drivers.

Police often suspect teens who are driving may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs when they weave into an oncoming lane, fail to stop at traffic signals or stop signs, run off the shoulder of the road, or otherwise drive erratically.

Call Our Michigan Criminal Defense Firm Today

If your teen son or daughter has been arrested for or charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, take action immediately in order to limit the damage to his/her future and reputation. At Grabel & Associates, we provide aggressive, effective legal guidance and representation. Call our toll-free number 24/7 at 1-800-342-7896. Contact us online.