Cotten Law Firm, PLLC
Call us now at 984-600-3090
984-600-3090
Aggressively defending your rights at some of the most reasonable rates around.

Underage DWI Charges In North Carolina

North Carolina takes an uncompromising stance on underage drinking and driving. For drivers under 21, any detectable alcohol concentration can trigger DWI charges – a stark difference from the .08% limit for adults. This zero tolerance approach means that even a single drink could have severe legal implications.

Cotten Law Firm, PLLC, successfully handled over 50,000 cases across Wake, Johnston, Harnett, Orange, Sampson and Chatham counties, and Fuquay-Varina. We deliver big-firm defense strategies at rates that will not break the bank. Our legal approach is straightforward and driven by our 30 years of experience in criminal and DWI defense.

The North Carolina’s Zero Tolerance Laws

For drivers 21 and older, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is .08%. For commercial drivers, it is .04%. However, for drivers under the legal drinking age of 21, the BAC limit is effectively zero. Even a trace BAC of .01% can result in a Driving While Impaired (DWI) charge for an underage driver.

Consequences Of An Underage DWI

Underage DWI violations carry severe consequences:

  • Immediate 30-day license revocation at arrest
  • One-year license suspension upon conviction
  • Fines up to $1,000
  • Class 2 misdemeanor on your record
  • Mandatory substance abuse assessment
  • Up to 30 days of community punishment
  • Required community service

Multiple Offense Consequences

Repeat underage DWI charges escalate quickly. Potential consequences include:

  • Extended license revocation periods
  • Up to 45 days of active punishment
  • Possible state prison time for sentences over 90 days
  • Supervised probation requirements
  • Mandatory electronic monitoring
  • Drug treatment court participation
  • Residential program requirements

The judicial system often treats repeat underage offenders with the same severity as adult cases. Our lawyers’ extensive experience with local courts can help navigate these legal complexities by exploring every avenue for charge reduction or dismissal.

Real Results Matter

One misstep could affect your college admissions, job opportunities and driving freedom. Call 984-600-3090 for a free consultation with Cotten Law Firm‘s attorney defense team. Our Raleigh and Fuquay-Varina offices stand ready to help protect your rights and future.