Getting a driver’s license is considered a rite of passage for many teenagers, but there are many crimes that leave teens unable to drive. If you are a teen charged with such a crime or your son or daughter has been accused of one of these offenses, a San Diego license suspension attorney may be able to help you fight the charges or minimize the penalties. Diversion programs are available to avoid a juvenile conviction (true finding) and license suspension.
Alcohol Charges That Leave Teens Without Licenses
It’s no surprise that driving under the influence will leave a minor without a license as even adults convicted of this crime are subject to license suspensions. What does surprise some people though is that someone under 21 can lose their license for a year if they have any trace of alcohol above 0.01% in their system as part of the state’s zero tolerance law. A minor can even lose their driver’s license for a year if they are caught biking or boating under the influence. Driving, boating or biking under the influence of marijuana or other drugs will result in the same penalty.
Even more surprising, even being busted with alcohol in public can result in a one year license suspension under the state’s minor in possession law. The same goes for buying alcohol, being drunk in public, or possessing marijuana. It’s important to remember that it is possible to fight these charges, but you must refrain from telling the police anything that could hurt your case later, which is why you should never talk to the police without your attorney present.
Other Crimes Cause License Delays and Suspensions
Other crimes that leave teens without the ability to drive include joyriding, being habitually truant or vandalizing property. Minors can also face delays in the age they can obtain their license if they are caught driving without a license. In fact, while lost driving privileges are listed as a standard penalty for minors who have violated these laws, judges in the juvenile court system have a lot of leeway when sentencing minors and can institute license suspensions for most of the crimes that are frequently committed by juveniles. Because this court operates so differently than the standard criminal court system, it is critical teens who have been charged with crimes only work with a lawyer with experience helping minors protect their driving privileges.
If you are a juvenile who has been charged with a crime that can leave you without your license or the parent of one, please call Peter M. Liss at (760) 643-4050 or (858) 486-3024.
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