Minnesota Underage and Juvenile DWI Attorneys and Lawyers

Minnesota DUI laws apply equally to drivers of all ages. DUI violations require either evidence of impaired driving or an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher, or the presence of certain illegal substances in the person’s body, during or within two hours of the time of driving, operating, or being in control of a motor vehicle.

Two additional alcohol-related laws apply to offenders under 21 years of age:

  • Drivers 16 and 17 years old who violate the DWI laws are under the jurisdiction of the adult court, not the juvenile court. As such, they are subject to the full range of adult penalties and consequences; and
  • The drinking age law prohibits a person who is under the age of 21 from: consuming alcohol without parental permission and supervision; purchasing or attempting to purchase alcohol; possessing alcohol with intent to consume; entering a liquor store or bar for the purpose of purchasing or consuming alcohol; or misrepresenting one’s age for the purpose of purchasing alcohol.

Underage Drinking and Driving

Minnesota law provides misdemeanor penalties and driver’s license suspension for any driver under age 21 who is convicted of driving a motor vehicle anywhere in the state while consuming alcohol or while there is physical evidence of such consumption present in the person’s body. However, a violation of the zero-tolerance underage drinking and driving does not in itself constitute a Minnesota DUI or impaired driving violation nor can it be used as an enhancing factor for any subsequent Minnesota DUI violation.