During college, many young people party with their friends and drink during these events. Like most states, Ohio has strict laws about driving under the influence, and these laws are even stricter for drivers under the age of 21, as the blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is much lower. To build a solid DUI defense, below is more information about underage drunk driving laws and penalties.

What Are the Relevant Laws?

In Ohio, a drunk driver over the age of 21 with a BAC of 0.08% or higher can be charged with driving under the influence. However, a driver under 21 can be charged with the same offense if their BAC is just 0.02% or higher. While 0.02% is a low threshold, this is because it is illegal for these individuals to drink. Additionally, this law is intended to help protect everyone on the road, as young drivers have a higher risk of causing an accident than older people, even when they are sober.

What Are the Consequences?

A first-time underage DUI in Ohio is a misdemeanor charge, with fines up to $250 and up to 30 days in jail. The judge may suspend their driver's license for a period between three months and two years. During this time, the court may agree to certain driving privileges or require the defendant to install an interlock ignition device. They may also mandate a court-approved alcohol treatment course.

A second offense is also a misdemeanor, but it comes with more serious penalties. The judge can sentence the individual to up to 60 days in jail, a fine of up to $500, and a license suspension ranging from one to five years. They may also order the defendant to use an ignition interlock device or attend a comprehensive alcohol treatment program.

Whether it's your first underage DUI or a repeated offense, there are other potential penalties to understand when designing a DUI defense. Auto insurance rates will likely increase and your school may impose consequences. For example, if you participate in sports, you may be removed from the team. If the crime happened on campus, the school may suspend or expel you from class.

If you need a reliable attorney to help you craft a DUI defense, contact James F. Bogen, Attorney at Law in Cincinnati, OH. In practice since 2002, this attorney has been providing representation for a variety of criminal cases, including DUIs, juvenile delinquency, and even felonies. Call (513) 503-7251 to schedule a consultation, and visit his website for more information about his services.