Driving under the influence of alcohol at any age is a problem, but when you’re under 21, it’s a particularly negative offense. Under Tennessee’s laws, you’ve violated the Drug Free Youth Act. This act applies to people between the ages of 13 to 17 with certain drugs and between the ages of 18 and 21 for alcohol offenses.
This act allows you to have your license reinstated after a period of time if you’ve been convicted of driving under the influence. To do so, you’ll have to pay a $20 fee, and you’ll have to apply for a license and pay the driver licensing fee. If you did not surrender your driver’s license as required, then you may face an additional $75 fee.
What kinds of penalties can you face for drug or alcohol-related offenses?
Driving while impaired, which is an offense that anyone between the ages of 16 and 20 could face, results in a license revocation for a year with no provision for a restricted license allowed. There is a fine of $250, and the court can force you to perform public service work. Possession of alcohol under age can also lead to a license suspension or restricted license, depending on the number of times the offense has occurred.
If you’re accused of any kind of drug or alcohol-related crime and are under the age of 21, it’s always a good idea to protect yourself and get to know the laws. There may be alternatives for penalties or ways to help you avoid a conviction in the first place.