With summer coming to a close in the Midwest, school-bound children in Indiana are desperately trying to take advantage of their last few weeks of summer vacation. Whether kids are home from college or just enjoying a summer off from high school, barbecues, bonfires and backyard parties will be prevalent in the next few weeks. One growing health concern among kids under the age of 21 is drinking and driving. In Indiana and all of the United States, it is illegal to consume an alcoholic beverage unless a person is 21 years of age or older. However, underage drinking occurs on a regular basis and has been deemed as a public health problem by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the CDC, alcohol consumption by people under the age of 21 contributes to 11 percent of all of the alcohol consumed in the United States. Another concern accompanying underage drinking is minors operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated (OWI) as a minor can be a serious offense and should not be taken lightly. Whether it is due to peer pressure or a lack of better judgment, children make mistakes and it’s our duty as parents to steer them in the right direction.

Current Indiana Underage OWI Laws

It is advisable to speak to minors about the dangers of consuming alcohol and driving and what consequences they may face. In Indiana, a person under the age of 21 years old who has a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.02% or more can face an Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated (OWI) charge. If the minor’s BAC is more than 0.02% but less than 0.08%, they may have their license suspended for up to a year and be imposed with a fine. If the minor driver’s BAC is more than 0.08%, the driver may face jail time, license suspension and a fine. Multiple convictions of OWIs may result in even harsher penalties such as longer jail time and more expensive fines. In addition to being charged with an OWI, a minor who partakes in underage drinking and driving may also be charged with the following:

•      If the minor drives with alcohol in the car, he or she may be charged with possession of alcohol;
•      If the minor has a fake ID, he or she may be charged with possession of a false identification; or
•      If there are passengers in the car, the minor may be charged with soliciting alcohol to other minors.

Although underage drinking and driving can be a serious offense, sometimes the punishment can be harsher than the minor deserves. Combating an underage drinking and driving charge can be a complex and expensive process without the help of an experienced OWI attorney.

Seek Help from an Indiana OWI attorney

If you or a loved one has been charged with an OWI in Indiana for underage drinking and driving, contact Chris L. Arrington as soon as possible. He is knowledgeable about current Indiana OWI laws and, depending on the circumstances, can help you receive a lesser punishment.