DUI with Minor Passenger

Let us suppose you are a parent who had a couple of drinks at a family dinner; then you’re pulled over while driving your child home. Or maybe you have a high school senior who is pulled over for a DUI with a 17-year old friend in the vehicle. Whatever the situation, you or a loved one may be subject to the additional criminal charge of Endangering Children.

What are the penalties for misdemeanor Endangering Children?

Someone charged with a DUI while having a minor or child passenger (who was not seriously injured) can face a number of penalties, including:

• Jail time: Up to 6 months
• License Suspension: 12 months.
• Fines: Up to $1,000

The punishment can also vary greatly depending on whether there have been previous DUI/OVI related child endangering offenses. You can read more about DUI penalties here.

What if the child or minor was seriously injured as a result of the DUI?

If your child or the minor passenger was seriously injured as a result of DUI / OVI you can be charged with a felony and subjected to prison time. Child endangering is a criminal offense and will be reflected in criminal background checks. Apart from prison, a felony conviction for child endangering can result in long terms of probation and preclude possession and ownership of guns. Child endangering is a criminal offense and will be reflected in criminal background checks.

How can a lawyer help me with my DUI charge?

Courts are becoming more stringent with DUI penalties, particularly those cases that involve minor passengers. If you are accused of a DUI and had a minor in your vehicle at the time of the offense, you need an experienced DUI defense attorney. Akamine Law can help. See recent case results.