Driving under the influence of either alcohol or drugs is a serious offense, and the laws in Hawaii are pretty stringent. However, getting convicted of DUI could have severe consequences for someone under the age of 21. Thankfully, there are law firms like Holcomb Law, LLLC that represent youngsters dealing with such circumstances. In this post, let’s discuss the consequences of underage DUI and how an attorney can help.
Reviewing the penalties and punishment
If someone underage is convicted of DUI in Hawaii, they may face many things at once. There will be an assessment, where a counselor will decide whether the person needs to go for rehabilitation. There is a mandatory rehabilitation program spanning 10 hours; if the concerned person is under 18, their parent is also required to attend the program. The license of the convicted person will be suspended for 180 days, although the court may allow someone to drive after 30 days, provided the person is over 18. Fines may go up to $500, while they could be asked to commit to 36 hours community service
Second & third convictions
What if a minor or someone under 21 is convicted of DUI for the second time? The assessment process remains the same, but the other outcomes could be more severe. This includes one year of mandatory license suspension with no privileges like a limited driving license. Community service could be mandatory for up to 50 days, and a fine of up to $1,000 could be imposed. For the third conviction, the license of the habitual offender will be suspended for two years with no option for limited driving privileges. Fines up to $1,000 could be imposed, and the person will have to commit to 100 hours of community service work.
Consult a skilled DUI lawyer
Because DUI convictions often impact the lives of youngsters for years to come, it is important to seek legal advice in time. Ensure that you talk to an experienced and known lawyer, who has handled underage DUI charges and cases in the past. They can usually offer advice on how to deal with the situation and the line of defense. You can also expect your attorney to work at an affordable rate, although popular firms may charge a tad more as their lawyers are great at turning things around.
Meet the DUI lawyer in person and discuss your case. It doesn’t have to cost anything to seek a review of your circumstances.