Under 21

California has what is called a “Zero Tolerance” law for drivers under 21 who are arrested for DUI. This means that if there is even a .01% blood-alcohol concentration, the DMV will take the person’s driver’s license for one year. They will not be able to get their license back from the DMV until they complete a DUI education class.

If it is a first offense, and the under-21 driver has no similar convictions in their past, and the driver is over the age of 18 at the time of the arrest, they may be allowed to participate in the 12-hour educational class. However, if all of these requirements are not met, a more intense and costly 3-month course may be required in order to regain driving privileges.

This is not the end of the story, however. Anyone who is under 21, and accused of DUI, will still have to answer to charges in criminal court.

If you or someone you care about is charged with a DUI, please contact a Los Angeles DUI lawyer in your area for advice. Many DUI cases can be successfully defended. Before you even think about pleading guilty, talk to someone who knows about this area of law.