To limit the amount of underage motorists involved in drunk driving car accidents in Nevada, the state has passed “zero tolerance” laws that making it illegal for a driver under 21 years old to have any amount of alcohol in their system.

In Nevada, it is illegal for minors under 21 years of age to drive in Nevada with a BAC of .02 or higher. If it is at least .02, but less than .08, they face a 90-day driver’s license suspension. Additionally, they also have to attend an alcohol assessment and treatment program. On the other hand, if it is at least .08, then they face the same criminal charges as adults.

Children under 18 years of age who are arrested for misdemeanor-level DUI are often prosecuted in Juvenile Court. However, children under 18 arrested for a felony-level DUI in Nevada may be certified as an adult and prosecuted in criminal court. Adults ages 18 to 20 who are arrested for DUI are charged in criminal court.

Not only do underage DUI offenders face criminal penalties, it is worth noting that those who are prospective and current college students may face penalties administered by their university, such as suspension, expulsion, or getting denied entry into a college.

If you have been arrested of a DUI in Nevada, request a free consultation with our Reno criminal defense attorney at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Stover today.