Getting arrested for a DUI is serious at any age, but the consequences can be even more severe if you are under 21 in Indiana. The state enforces strict underage drinking and driving laws, and a single mistake can affect your license, your record, and your future opportunities. Understanding how Indiana handles underage DUI cases is an important first step toward protecting your rights.

Indiana’s Zero Tolerance Law for Underage Drivers

Indiana follows a “zero tolerance” policy for drivers under the age of 21. This means that if an underage driver has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.02% or higher, they can face penalties, even if they are not legally intoxicated under the standard adult limit of 0.08%.

The goal of this law is to discourage any amount of drinking and driving by minors. As a result, underage drivers may face consequences even after consuming a very small amount of alcohol.

Criminal Charges You May Face

An underage DUI can lead to different types of charges depending on the circumstances. If your BAC is below 0.08%, you may be charged under Indiana’s zero tolerance statute. If your BAC is 0.08% or higher, you may face the same DUI charges as an adult.

Additional factors—such as causing an accident, having prior offenses, or transporting minors—can increase the seriousness of the charges and potential penalties.

License Suspension and Other Penalties

One of the most immediate consequences of an underage DUI in Indiana is the loss of driving privileges. An underage driver may face a license suspension ranging from 180 days to up to two years, depending on the offense and prior history.

Other possible penalties include:

• Fines and court costs
• Mandatory alcohol education or treatment programs
• Community service
• A permanent criminal record in some cases

These consequences can impact school enrollment, employment prospects, and insurance rates.

How an Underage DUI Can Affect Your Future

An underage DUI conviction can follow you long after the case is resolved. College admissions, financial aid eligibility, and job applications may all be affected by a criminal record or license suspension. For young drivers just starting out, these long-term effects can be especially challenging.

Legal Help for Underage DUI Charges in Indianapolis

If you or your child is facing an underage DUI charge, it is important to understand your legal options as early as possible. At Gary M. Selig, P.C., we can provide legal assistance to the Indianapolis public by explaining the charges, evaluating the evidence, and working to reduce the impact these allegations may have on your future.