In Pennsylvania, driving under the influence of alcohol carries harsh penalties on its own but these can become even more serious when you are charged with a DUI and happen to be under the age of 21.

The legal penalties are increased, but it can also influence your future employment opportunities and your car insurance rates.

Any driver arrested in Pennsylvania under the age of 21 for a DUI is charged under what is known as the state’s high BAC rate. This means that even if the charges you are facing are your first offense or the amount of alcohol in your system as indicated by the test is minimal, your punishment could potentially be severe, regardless.

The minimum penalties for this high-level impairment charge in Pennsylvania are two days in prison and as long as six months behind bars if you are ultimately convicted. Your license could also be suspended for 12 months so that you cannot drive for a whole year.

Long-term Underage DUI Consequences

Aside from the short-term issues you might face after being charged and convicted of an underage DUI in Erie, there are long-term consequences associated with underage DUI as well. First of all, your auto insurance will go up since drivers under 25 pay higher rates of auto insurance anyways.

With a DUI conviction on your permanent Pennsylvania record, your rates will rise instantly and you will be put in the high risk pool. If you have a bad driving history you may not be eligible to get competitive auto insurance at all. The DUI conviction will also become a portion of your permanent criminal record so that banks, colleges, employers and universities could see your DUI if they conduct a routine background check on you.

What to Do After Being Charged With DUI?

If you have been arrested or charged with a DUI in Erie, whether or not your charges include underage drinking, you need an experienced defense attorney who is committed to fighting for the best possible outcome for you. Contact an Erie DUI defense attorney sooner rather than later to protect your legal rights, your freedom may depend on it. The no obligation consultation is free, and confidential, so that you can make an informed decision about your situation.