What to Do if Your Teen is Charged with an Underage DUI in Ohio
Immediate Steps to Take:
- Contact a DUI attorney immediately. The first 24-48 hours are crucial, and an experienced attorney can help protect your teen's rights and navigate time-sensitive matters like license suspension hearings.
- Document everything. Write down your teen's version of events while memory is fresh, including details about:
- Where they were coming from
- Any field sobriety tests performed
- What was said by officers
- Any medical conditions that might affect test results
- Keep all paperwork from the arrest and court, including:
- Citation/ticket
- Court summons
- License suspension notice
- Police reports
- Chemical test results
Legal Consequences Your Teen May Face:
- License suspension (minimum 90 days, up to 2 years)
- Fines up to $250
- Possible mandatory alcohol education programs
- Potential community service
- Insurance rate increases
- School notification in some cases
Important Do's and Don'ts:
Do:
- Attend all court appearances with your teen
- Meet all deadlines for administrative hearings
- Consider counseling or treatment programs proactively
- Keep communication open with your teen
- Monitor their compliance with any restrictions
Don't:
- Post about the incident on social media
- Ignore court dates or deadlines
- Let your teen drive on a suspended license
- Try to handle the case without legal representation
Long-term Considerations:
- Impact on college applications
- Future job prospects
- Insurance costs
- Scholarship eligibility
- Professional license applications
Remember, how you handle this situation can significantly impact your teen's future. While it's important to take the charge seriously, it's also crucial to provide support and guidance during this challenging time.
