Many Nebraska parents may stress the dangers of drinking and driving to their teenagers. They may be surprised, then, if their adolescent son or daughter calls to say he or she is being charged with drunk driving. This situation can be serious for teens and it is important for parents to know what they should do.
Drunk driving charges are something both parents and teenagers should take seriously. Next Generation Village says that a DUI can affect a teen’s life for several years. This is because a DUI is usually a Class 1 misdemeanor and the incident may stay on a teenager’s criminal record for years. Additionally, some colleges and employers may look at a teenager’s criminal record when considering whether to offer him or her a position.
Some families may think that law enforcement officials will not charge an adolescent with a DUI if his or her blood alcohol level is below the legal limit. However, many states have zero tolerance laws, and a teen might face a DUI charge even if his or her BAC level is less than 0.08 percent. The consequences of this charge can be severe. Some teenagers may need to attend alcohol education classes, while others may need to perform community service or pay a fine. Additionally, the consequences may be harsher if an adolescent got into a car crash after drinking. In this situation, a teen may need to spend time in jail.
After a teenager gets a DUI, it is important for parents to take action. According to Car Seats to Keys, some parents may think the legal ramifications are enough for their teenager to deal with. However, it is a good idea for parents to make sure their adolescent son or daughter has consequences at home as well. Some people may want to tell their children they can only drive to school, while others may want to take their teenager’s car keys away entirely for a certain amount of time.
