High school students across King County are preparing for their proms. Prom season typically means gaudy dresses, ill-fitting tuxedos, and unfortunately, underage drinking.

Proms are supposed to be a fun event. However, a mistake like drinking and driving can have serious consequences that can impact you for life. Some facts that a potential underage drinker should be aware of include:

• 0.02 Percent Legal Limit. Many people may think that the legal limit to drink and drive is 0.08 percent blood alcohol level. However, that limit only applies to adults. Minors under the age of 21 face a much stricter 0.02 blood alcohol limit. This can equate to a single alcoholic beverage. A driver under the age of 21 whose alcohol level is greater than .02 will face a minor operating a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol (RCW 46.61.503).  This is a simple misdemeanor
• Underage Drinking. Besides a DUI charge, you could also face penalties simply for underage drinking.  Minor in possession and or consumption (RCW 66.44.270) is a gross misdemeanor.
• Penalties. The penalties for a drunk driving conviction are very serious. You face monetary fines, loss of driver's license, requirement to install an ignition interlock device into your vehicle, as well as mandatory jail time.

Fortunately, prom-goers should know that it is fairly easy to avoid a DUI. The primary thing to remember is to exercise good judgment and avoid peer pressure.  Stay away from alcohol and drugs.  Never get into a vehicle where the driver might be impaired.  Prom is supposed to be a culminating celebration and it would be awful to have the experience ruined by an arrest for driving under the influence or minor in possession or consumption.  Regrettably, this happens to many teenagers each years.

Contact a Seattle DUI Attorney

If you have any questions about Washington DUI laws or your particular charge, contact an attorney at Wolff Criminal Defense. Schedule a free consultation by calling 425-284-2000.