PowerTalk 21: National Day to Talk About Alcohol with Minors

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) first initiated PowerTalk 21, a national day dedicated to parents talking to their teens about alcohol, in 2011. This year PowerTalk 21 arrives on Sunday, April 21; it is a day where parents can take advantage of tips, information, and a handbook prepared by the MADD organization to help them engage their teens in an understanding of the effects of alcohol on teen driving and health. According to statistics published on MADD's website, minors who begin drinking at a young age are seven times more likely to be involved in an alcohol-related car crash as those who don't while teen drinking kills about 6,000 individuals annually.

California maintains a zero tolerance in the matter of underage drinking and driving. Someone under the age of 21 is prohibited from driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of even 0.01 percent. Underage DUI may be charged as a civil offense, an infraction, or a misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances. The only issue in a underage DUI that matters is whether or not you consumed any amount of alcohol and then drove, not whether you demonstrated impairment. If you are found to have a BAC of 0.01 percent, you will face a one-year license suspension under the civil offense. Those who are issued an infraction will not be subject to jail time but will be subject to a fine as well as a license suspension. Those convicted of a misdemeanor will face heavy fines, jail time, a lengthy probation, license suspension, and alcohol education classes.

Criminal Defense Firm Serving Orange County, California

If you are facing an underage DUI, an adult DUI, or any other type of criminal charge in Orange County, you have the option of enlisting the services of the The Law Office of Barney B. Gibbs. Mr. Gibbs has been practicing criminal defense exclusively for more than 30 years and has handled more than 2,500 cases. He has helped clients from every part of Orange County, including Garden Grove, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Tustin, and Westminster. He has achieved over 1,100 dismissals of charges throughout his career for his clients.

The firm provides one-on-one personalized service along with the extensive knowledge, honed skills, and practical experience with the local courts that can make a dramatic difference in your case results. Get your questions answered and get the legal guidance you need following any arrest or any criminal investigation by contacting the firm for a free consultation. The firm offers payment plans to help you make your defense representation a reality.