In New Mexico, drunk driving charges are handled differently for people under 21. While the legal limit for driving is .08% for motorists aged 21 and over, underage drivers cannot legally operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .02% or higher.

A single mistake shouldn’t alter the course of your life, but that’s precisely what may happen when you’re arrested for underage drunk driving. Here at Angela Arellanes Law, we believe that every person deserves a strong legal defense for DUI. We also know that these cases can be complex, which is why you must secure the proper legal counsel.

The first step is to arrange a consultation at my office so that I can review the charges against you. Feel free to contact us for more information or call (505) 247-2417 to speak with a representative.

Penalties for Underage DUI

In most cases, an underage DUI is punishable by license revocation. If a breathalyzer determines that the driver’s BAC is .02% or more, they could lose their license for up to one year or longer. Underage drivers will also experience license revocation if they refuse breath testing, as New Mexico’s implied consent laws mandate that all drivers must agree to testing when requested by law enforcement.

Drivers who are at least 18 at the time of their arrest can also face further charges if their BAC is .08% or higher. In this instance, standard penalties like jail time and fines may apply.

What to Do If You’re Arrested

There are a few crucial steps you must take if stopped for underage DUI in Albuquerque:

• Comply with the officer’s requests, whether they involve a breathalyzer or field sobriety testing.
• Behave civilly and respectfully when interacting with the police.
• Be forthcoming when asked questions, but only provide the information that’s absolutely necessary.
• Contact a DUI attorney as soon as possible.

As an attorney with over two decades of experience, I know that the stakes are high when it comes to drunk driving cases. A single infraction can affect a young person both professionally and personally, as well as cause possible issues in the future. That’s why I’m so dedicated to providing a strong, reliable defense, which can help mitigate the charges – and penalties – you face.

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