A Kiddie DUI, or DUI for a person under the age of 21 years, can be charged if the driver is under the age of 21 and has a blood alcohol level over .02. The legal limit for a person over the age of 21 is .08.
A person can be convicted of DUI, or driving under the influence, based on a number of factors. Typically, a DUI is for driving while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. A conviction can be obtained if the defendant is driving a motor vehicle and under the influence or impaired by drugs or alcohol, or combination. Even if impairment is not noted, a person can be convicted if they are operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol over .08.
Regardless of age, generally if the driver has a blood or breath alcohol level over .08, they will be charged with thee standard adult DUI. Similarly, if the BAC level is over .15, the defendant will most likely be charged with an aggravated DUI, regardless of age.
A finding or plea to an Under 21, or Kiddie, DUI, has different consequences than a regular DUI. First, the fines are only up to $200 and there is no DUI service fee; as such the total cost is about $300 instead of $750. Additionally, an <21 DUI is not enhanceable, should the person later be charged with a 2nd DUI. Finally, there is a “zero tolerance” class that the < 21 defendant must take that differs from the minimum 20 hour DUI class.
If you have been charged with a DUI, whether regular, aggravated, high tier, or < 21, you should hire with an attorney. For consultation in Cincinnati or N.Ky., call Michael Bouldin at 859-581-6453 or email [email protected].