Drinking and Driving Laws in Iowa
Operating while intoxicated or OWI is Iowa law’s term for driving under the influence. The BAC threshold for the legal blood alcohol content is .02%. It is illegal for a person under the age of 21 to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any trace of a controlled substance is present in blood or urine.
What are the administrative punishments for underage OWIs?
Minors who fail chemical tests will have their license revoked by Iowa’s Department of Motor Vehicles after their arrest. Underage individuals who are charged with OWIs will have their license revoked for 60 to 90 days with any previous OWI-related licensee revocations. You will face higher penalties if you refuse chemical tests as a minor. The DMI will revoke minor’s licenses for an entire year to two years with a previous revocation.
What are the criminal punishments for underage OWIs?
Minors who are charged with underage OWIs will face similar punishments as adult offenders. First-time offenders will ensure the deferred judgment program which lasts typically one year and will result in the courts dismissing the charges if successful. Failure to complete the program could result in up to a year in jail, probation, enrollment in a substance abuse program, and $1,250 in fines.
Underage OWI Defenses
With the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney, they may attempt to throw out blood or breath test evidence as a defense against your underage OWI. Another tactic your attorney may use is to question whether it was legal for police to pull you over in the first place. Your lawyer may even make a case regarding your age, stating that this circumstance was a single mistake that should not have to derail the rest of your life. These approaches will attempt to have DUI charges dropped or lessened. To get started with the defense process, reach out to our experienced criminal defense attorney today. Our firm is prepared to fight for your rights in court.
Contact Our Firm
Herting Law, PLLC, is an Iowa-based law firm designed to help with all of your legal needs. If you need a Des Moines criminal defense lawyer, our firm has significant experience in all criminal matters, including OWIs, drug charges, gun crimes, theft, assault, and more. If you need an estate planning lawyer, our firm can guide you through it all, including drafting wills, trusts, and the administration of your estate. Whatever the situation, Herting Law, PLLC has you covered.
