Minor Charged with DWUI in Wyoming

Wyoming is a zero-tolerance state when it comes to minors and drunk driving. A minor charged with Driving While Under the Influence of drugs or alcohol faces penalties similar to those that would be imposed on an adult facing similar charges. For a first-time conviction, the judge can issue a $750 fine and a 90-day driver’s license suspension.

One of the most significant differences in an Underage DWUI case is that a minor can be charged with DWUI with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .02% or higher. This is substantially lower than the .08% drunk driving threshold for adults. In addition, a minor could also face separate charges for Minor in Possession of Alcohol.

If you or your child was charged with Underage DWUI, the criminal defense team at Just Criminal Law can help. We can evaluate your situation, provide expert advice and legal guidance, identify available defenses, and represent you in court as we work to achieve successful resolution in your Underage DWUI case.

Based in Gillette, Just Criminal Law provides aggressive criminal legal representation to people throughout Wyoming and in western South Dakota. Led by former Campbell County prosecutor and founding attorney Christina L. Williams, our team of top-notch criminal defense professionals will guide you through an Underage DWUI charge and mount an aggressive defense designed to lead to a substantial reduction in the severity of the charges or penalties you face.

To put our expertise to work for you, contact the criminal defense team at Just Criminal Law today.

What Is the Legal Limit for Underage Drivers?

Wyoming drivers who are over age 21 can be charged with drunk driving if their Blood Alcohol Content is .08% or higher. But drivers under 21 can be charged with DWUI if their BAC is .02% or higher.

Like other drivers, people under age 21 can also be charged with DWUI if the police suspect they are under the influence of alcohol or another controlled substance that renders them incapable of safely driving a vehicle. Drivers suspected of DWUI may be asked to perform Field Sobriety Tests and submit to a chemical test of their breath, urine, or blood.

What Are the Penalties for Underage DWUI?

The penalties for a conviction for underage DWUI are similar to those that would be imposed on an adult facing similar charges. For a first-time offense, you face a $750 fine and a 90-day driver’s license suspension. Jail time is rare for underage offenders, and it is more likely that you would be sentenced to probation or, in severe cases, juvenile detention. You might also be required to complete substance abuse treatment, and the court could require sobriety monitoring and mandatory installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID).

What Happens When You Are Charged with Underage DWUI?

Cases involving minors (someone under age 18) charged with Underage DWUI are generally heard in juvenile court. There are important differences between adult court and juvenile court.

• If you were arrested and taken into custody, you are unlikely to be held for an extended period of time and instead will be released to a parent or legal guardian.
• Your case will be heard in juvenile court, where you will not be found Guilty or Not Guilty but instead face being “adjudicated delinquent.”
• You do not have the right to a jury trial.
• The fines and severity of punishments you face are typically lower than in adult court, and it is unlikely you will be sent to jail. Instead, you face fines, mandatory drug and alcohol counseling, a driver’s license suspension, and community service. In more serious cases, you could face juvenile detention.

How a DWUI Defense Attorney Can Help

When facing underage DWUI charges, many young people simply plead guilty and accept whatever punishments the court hands down. But you can and should take the necessary steps to protect yourself or your child from the harshest consequences of an underage DWUI charge.

The DWUI defense team at Just Criminal Law can help protect your future by carefully analyzing your circumstances, identifying potential defenses, and providing valuable legal guidance and advice based on decades of combined experience navigating the Wyoming criminal legal system.

Minimize the Impact of an Underage DWUI Charge

Even though juvenile court cases are not automatically sealed in Wyoming, the state recognizes the importance of allowing juveniles an opportunity to rehabilitate and move forward from juvenile offenses without long-term consequences. If you are convicted of Underage DWUI, you may consider seeking expungement, which will prevent the juvenile charges from appearing on a criminal background check when you apply for housing, school, scholarships, or on job applications.

Contact Just Criminal Law Today

For help combating an Underage DWUI charge, contact the DWUI defense team at Just Criminal Law today to schedule your personalized case review and strategy session.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this article is offered for educational purposes only. This information is not offered as legal advice. A person accused of a crime should always consult with an attorney before making decisions that have legal consequences.