Sunday morning is a great time to catch a few extra winks of sleep to charge up for another busy week – unless a car comes crashing through your apartment wall, that is.
Residents of a Colorado Springs apartment complex were stunned when an early morning attempt at parking a truck went awry. The April 5 incident occurred when a pick-up truck driver botched his parking job, sending the truck into the side of an apartment building, causing minor structural damage to the building.
When police arrived, they processed the driver, a sprightly young 17-year-old, for DUI.
How Serious Are Underage DUI Penalties in Colorado?
Underage drinkers cause a disproportionate number of alcohol-related automobile accidents. Because of this, penalties for underage DUI can be harsh.
Your first drunk driving offense could have serious consequences. For more detailed information on the severity of the penalties click here. You could also face up to one year in jail. A second conviction will result in similar, increased penalties.
You may also face charges for:
- distributing alcohol to other minors if, for example, there are drunk underage passengers in your car;
- minor in possession;
- soliciting alcohol;
- possession of false identification if you bought alcohol with a fake ID;
- or moving and maintenance violations.
Sunday mornings are often cherished for their tranquility, offering the perfect opportunity to catch a few extra winks of sleep and recharge for the upcoming week. However, one Sunday morning brought a startling disruption for the residents of a Colorado Springs apartment complex when a car came crashing through their apartment wall.
The unexpected incident unfolded on April 5 when an early morning attempt at parking a truck turned disastrous. The pick-up truck driver misjudged the parking maneuver, resulting in a collision with the side of an apartment building. The impact left residents in disbelief while causing minor structural damage to the building.
Local law enforcement swiftly responded to the scene, assessing the situation and processing the driver responsible for the mishap. To the surprise of many, the driver turned out to be a youthful 17-year-old, and the reason behind the unfortunate crash was attributed to driving under the influence (DUI).
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of underage DUI, not only for the young driver but also for the safety and well-being of others on the road. Underage drinkers are statistically involved in a disproportionate number of alcohol-related automobile accidents, emphasizing the seriousness of this issue.
In Colorado, penalties for underage DUI can be severe. A first-time offense can result in significant repercussions, including fines, mandatory alcohol education programs, community service, and even the possibility of up to one year in jail. The severity of the penalties may increase with subsequent convictions, making it imperative for young individuals to understand the gravity of their actions.
In addition to DUI charges, underage individuals caught driving under the influence may face a range of related charges, such as distributing alcohol to other minors if there are intoxicated underage passengers in the vehicle, minor in possession, soliciting alcohol, possession of false identification if alcohol was obtained with a fake ID, or various moving and maintenance violations.
It is essential to recognize that an underage DUI conviction can have far-reaching consequences, impacting one’s record and opportunities well into the future. Therefore, if you or a young individual you know has been arrested for DUI and is under the age of 21, seeking legal counsel from a qualified drunk driving attorney is of utmost importance.
At Thomas & Ahnell, LLC, we specialize in addressing alcohol and drug-related driving offenses, including cases involving underage DUI. Our experienced legal team is dedicated to providing sound guidance and effective representation to navigate the complexities of such cases. We understand the significance of minimizing the long-term consequences of an underage DUI conviction.
Founding Partner Doug Thomas can provide invaluable insights into underage DUI cases’ legal aspects and potential outcomes. We are here to protect your rights, offer professional support, and work toward reducing the associated penalties. Your legal well-being is our top priority, and we are committed to helping young individuals facing DUI charges achieve the best possible outcome for their cases.
Do you have further questions or concerns? Call us or contact the attorneys at Thomas & Ahnell, LLC, and we will be happy to help.