Minors and Banned Substances: What are the Consequences?
If your child has been charged with underaged drinking, call/txt Jake Gunter today.
Everyone knows that the legal drinking age in the United States is 21. If you’re older than that, consuming alcoholic beverages is legal. If you’re younger, there are penalties to doing so. In Utah, substance abuse violations have more penalties than the expected fines and potential jail time. For purchasing, consuming, or possessing alcohol illegally, a minor’s driver’s license may be suspended for up to a year, or for two years on a second offense. This sentence can be reduced in court, if fought.
Alcohol is not the only banned substance that can lead to license suspension. Drug violations also have harsh consequences, though not only for minors. If a minor is found to be possessing marijuana or other drugs, their license could be suspended, even if the offense had nothing to do with a motor vehicle. This comes as a surprise to many, who assume drugs taken far from the road will have no effect on their license. However, the government intends this measure as dissuasion to using drugs. Like an alcohol charge, minors can fight the license suspension in court.
It may not seem fair for alcohol or drug offenses to affect driver’s licenses if their consumption had nothing to do with driving, but these are real consequences to using banned substances. To get your sentence reduced to fines, jail time, or community service, contact an experienced Provo lawyer today.
The attorneys at Howard Lewis & Petersen can help find out if you can save your driving privileges. We have the experience to review your case and help you create a defense based on your needs. Click, call or text Jake Gunter for a free consultation.
