You are in college or a high school senior. You made a mistake. You had a drink. You are in charge. You now have Underage DUI Charges in Georgia. You are scared. You’re concerned with your future. You are particularly concerned about financial aid.

 

It’s a legitimate worry. College is expensive. So many students rely on financial aid to get by. That aid can be threatened if you are charged with a DUI. But is it always a financial fail? Not necessarily.

 

At Downie Law, LLC, we’ve assisted numerous teens with Underage DUI Charges in Georgia. Knowing what to expect when facing a DUI and its impact on college financial aid and future is important.

 

What are Underage DUI Charges in Georgia?

In Georgia, underage DUI Charges are under the provisions of the zero tolerance law. Under 21, the legal blood alcohol level limit is only 0.02 percent. Most people need to drink less than one. There is no requirement that you be inebriated when you’re charged. Just a little bit of alcohol is sufficient.

 

Underage drivers can be charged if they are caught driving with any amount of alcohol in their body. These are serious charges. They can have consequences on your driving privileges, your criminal record and your future opportunities.

 

Can Minors Be Charged with a DUI?

Are minors allowed to be charged with a DUI? Yes. A DUI in Georgia can be charged to anyone under 21 who is driving with a blood alcohol content of 2.0 or more. It is a misdemeanor charge, but it’s a serious one. It has consequences that will impact your life for many years.

 

Should Underage DUI be considered a Misdemeanor?

Can you have an underage DUI charge? Yes, first-time offences are normally a misdemeanor offense. But it’s a very serious offense. This is more serious than a regular misdemeanor.

 

License Suspension, fines, community service, DUI school, and Probation. In certain instances, you can also be jailed.

 

Can a DUI Underage be considered a felony?

Is underage driving under the influence (DUI) a felony? Generally, no. The first offense is considered a misdemeanor. However, a third DUI charge in the last 10 years may result in a felony. A felony conviction has much harsher penalties, including prison time.

 

What are the penalties for underage DUI?

How much will it cost to attend a DUI class for minors? You could be charged with a criminal offense, and fined, have your driving license suspended and maybe even face jail time. The Georgia Department of Driver Services will also give you administrative penalties. You will be suspended from driving. DUI School may be required, along with community service.

 

The charges impact your college plans, your monetary aid and your future profession.

 

Will a DUI Underage Impact Future?

If a youth is convicted of a DUI, will it impact their future? Yes. A conviction for DUI remains on your driving record for life. DUI expungement is not allowed in Georgia. That translates to it being visible on background checks. It may impact college admissions, scholarships, jobs and professional licensing.

 

You don’t have to lose your future, but a DUI may make it harder.

 

What Happens to Financial Aid if You Get a DUI?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the federal financial aid application. The FAFSA will include details on any drug-related convictions. A drug conviction may impact your ability to receive federal aid.

 

The FAFSA, however, does not inquire about convictions for alcohol abuse. DUI is a drunk driving incident. It makes no difference to your FAFSA eligibility.

 

However, there’s a catch. There are a number of private scholarships with their own requirements. Some scholarships may be revoked if you have a criminal record. There may also be specific policies for some colleges. May withdraw merit aid or scholarships.

 

Even some programs may be affected by having a DUI in your record. Criminal records may affect the ability of an applicant to be admitted to some professional programs, such as nursing or teaching.

 

What Should You Do?

Don’t shrug off Underage DUI Charges in Georgia! This is what you should do.

 

Do not talk to police without a lawyer. What you say is admissible as evidence.

 

Seek legal advice ASAP. There are only 30 days to appeal the driver’s license suspension and request a hearing. A lawyer can assist you in making it to the deadline.

 

Preserve evidence. Notate everything that you can recall. Preserve any documentation of the arrest.

 

Avoid social media. Avoid commenting on your case. Social Media posts are used as evidence.

 

Do you have any idea how to beat the charges?

Yes. With the right legal help, you may be able to beat Underage DUI Charges in Georgia. A lawyer may question the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and chemical testing. Evidence may be suppressed if there is a violation of your rights. In some cases, charges might be lowered or dropped.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a DUI underage a felony?

Generally, no. The first offense is a misdemeanor. Third time around is a felony if it occurs within 10 years.

 

Is underage DUI a misdemeanor?

Yes. First offense is a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature.

 

Can minors be charged with a DUI?

Yes. A person who drives with a BAC of 0.02 or more can be charged if under 21 years of age.

 

Does a DUI underage affect future?

Yes. A DUI conviction is a permanent record. May impact college, job and professional licensing.

 

What are the charges for underage DUI?

Suspension of license, fines, community service, DUI School, probation and/or jail time.

 

Conclusion

Georgia Underage DUI Charges are no joke. They may impact your driving rights, criminal record and future. A DUI will not directly impact federal financial aid, but it will impact private scholarships and admissions to college.

 

Don’t deal with a DUI charge on your own. Call Downie Law, LLC for a confidential consultation today. Help protect your future and financial aid.