| Simply put, drunk driving is illegal, and drunk drivers who | | | | later. |
| are charged with a DUI under the age of 21 face a | | | | - Costs of sealing a record. If you decide to hire a |
| number of penalties in the United States. Though a DUI | | | | lawyer to get your criminal record sealed so that your |
| under 21 rarely results in a prison sentence, there are | | | | DUI doesn't hurt your future, you will be facing a |
| still serious consequences that you will have to face if | | | | number of legal fees and another round of dealing with |
| you are arrested for driving drunk. | | | | the court. |
| Potential Consequences | | | | What to Do If You've Been Drinking |
| Ultimately, the temporary thrill you may have from | | | | You can save a lot of time, money, pain, and stress by |
| illegally getting drunk with your friends and then illegally | | | | thinking before you act. If you are under 21 and have |
| driving drunk is just not worth the risk. Before you get | | | | been drinking, don't get in the car. Most states have a |
| behind the wheel while drunk or accept your friend's | | | | zero tolerance policy and will arrest you for any |
| invitation into a car while they are drunk, consider the | | | | detectable alcohol consumption, and police officers are |
| many consequences you may face: | | | | trained to spot drunk drivers. Instead of driving, call a |
| - Risk of injury or death. This is probably the most | | | | friend or family member to pick you up. Even if the |
| rehashed point made against drunk driving, and with | | | | only people you can reach are your parents, you are |
| good reason. Drunk driving is not worth risking your life, | | | | better off dealing with punishment at home than with a |
| your friends' lives, or someone else's. | | | | court of law. |
| - Dealing with the court system. Getting a DUI means | | | | When to Contact a Lawyer |
| that you will ultimately have to face your day in court. | | | | Being charged with a DUI under 21 is a serious |
| There is a lot of stress, time, and money involved in | | | | offense. If you or someone you know has been |
| preparing for court, and when you are already bogged | | | | charged with a DUI under 21, contact a DUI defense |
| down by school or work, you don't need this additional | | | | lawyer immediately. A good lawyer with expertise in |
| stress. | | | | DUI defense can provide solid legal advice and help |
| - Having a criminal record. A DUI isn't like getting a | | | | you prepare for your defense in court. |
| parking ticket. It's not something that you can pay for | | | | For more information and assistance with DUI defense, |
| and have it disappear. A DUI charge goes on your | | | | please see the website of Rhode Island DUI defense |
| criminal record and can hurt your chances of getting a | | | | lawyer James Powderly here. |
| job, applying to schools, or getting a loan, even years | | | | |