Underage Drinking and Driving Laws in New Jersey

How Our Firm Can Help You Fight the Underage Drunk Driving Charges

Drinking while driving

New Jersey's Zero Tolerance Policy: Helping Underage Drivers Navigate DUI Charges

Driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) is a serious offense regardless of age, but New Jersey has particularly strict penalties for drivers under the age of 21. These laws, known as zero-tolerance, make it illegal for anyone under the legal drinking age to operate a vehicle with any measurable amount of alcohol in their system.

If you or your child has been charged with underage DUI in New Jersey, there is hope. An experienced law firm specializing in DUI defense can help minimize penalties and protect your future.

Understanding New Jersey's Underage DUI Penalties

A male driver holding a breathalyzer
Drinking while driving
Even a blood alcohol content (BAC) as low as 0.01% can trigger significant consequences for underage drivers in New Jersey. These penalties can include:
  • License Suspension: Automatic suspension of your driver’s license for 30-90 days.
  • Fines: Significant fines that impact you financially.
  • Community Service: Mandatory community service hours.
  • Alcohol Education Programs: Court-ordered attendance in alcohol education and safety programs.
  • IID Requirement: In some cases, you may be required to have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in your car.
The severity of these penalties can increase with any subsequent offenses or higher BAC levels. An underage DUI conviction can have lasting consequences on your educational opportunities, employment prospects, and insurance rates.

How Our Law Firm Can Help Mitigate Underage DUI Penalties

An experienced DUI attorney offers much-needed support and expertise in challenging underage DUI charges. Our firm can assist you in several ways:
  • Challenging the Evidence: We’ll investigate all aspects of your case, including the details of the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and breathalyzer results. We can identify potential mistakes made by law enforcement that could strengthen your defense.
  • Negotiating Plea Deals: When appropriate, we will explore the possibility of plea bargains that may reduce charges or lessen penalties.
  • Fighting for Reduced Penalties: We’ll work to minimize the consequences. These efforts may include seeking alternative sentencing options or presenting your case effectively before the court.
  • Protecting Your Future: An underage DUI can derail your plans for the future. We’ll safeguard your education and career by guiding you through the legal process and minimizing the long-term impacts of this charge.

Why Choose Our Law Firm for Underage DUI Defense?

Navigating New Jersey’s complex DUI laws requires a comprehensive legal strategy. Our reputation speaks for itself:

  • Proven Track Record: We have successfully defended numerous underage DUI cases in New Jersey. Our track record speaks to our commitment to protecting the rights of young drivers.
  • Compassionate Support System: Beyond our legal acumen, we provide a compassionate and understanding approach to these potentially stressful situations. Our legal team will remain your guide and support system throughout this process.
  • Proactive and Aggressive Defense: As tenacious advocates, we’ll explore every possible avenue to protect your rights and seek the best possible outcome in your case.

How can our firm help you with your underage drinking and driving case?

Our firm has extensive experience in handling underage drinking and driving cases in New Jersey. We know how to challenge the validity of the breathalyzer test, the legality of the traffic stop, the reliability of the officer’s observations, and the admissibility of the evidence. We will also explore any possible defenses, such as medical conditions, medication use, or faulty equipment, that may have affected your BAC level. We will work hard to negotiate a favorable plea deal or take your case to trial if necessary.

Our firm cares about your future and your well-being. We will provide you with personalized attention, honest advice, and aggressive advocacy. We will keep you informed of every step of the legal process and answer any questions you may have along the way. We will also help you with any collateral consequences of your arrest, such as restoring your driving privileges, expunging your record, or applying for scholarships or jobs.

If you or someone you love has been charged with underage drinking and driving in New Jersey, do not hesitate to contact our firm today. We offer a free initial consultation, and we are available 24/7 to assist you. Let us help you fight the charges and protect your future.

The Face of Justice

Daniel S. Kratka

Founder

New Jersey DUI lawyer

Daniel S. Kratka

Founder

Daniel S. Kratka began his legal career as a criminal prosecutor, honing his skills as a formidable trial attorney.  He handled hundreds of DUI cases.  He used the skills he developed from trying dui cases as a prosecutor to defend clients in DUI cases throughout the State of New Jersey.

As his google reviews attest, he is a master criminal defense attorney, who assesses each case and client goals to formulate the best legal defense.  He has established an impressive winning track rack record.  Mr. Kratka is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and has been the attorney of record in many published legal decisions over the years.  Mr. Kratka ‘s excellence was recently recognized when he was selected as a 2023 recipient of the Lawyers of Distinction Award.

Mr. Kratka practices throughout the state courts of New York and New Jersey and represents clients in federal courts throughout the country. He lectures on a variety of legal topics, is the president of his synagogue and is involved in many charitable organizations.

Mr. Kratka is a former All-City Basketball player, who still loves to play and coach.

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