Stricter Rules Apply to Drivers Under 21
In Delaware, drivers under the age of 21 are subject to a zero-tolerance DUI standard. A blood alcohol content of 0.02% or higher — far below the 0.08% limit for adult drivers — can result in a DUI charge. This means the stakes are higher and the margin for error is smaller than for adult drivers.
Zero-Tolerance Standard
Drivers under 21 can be charged at a BAC as low as 0.02% — far below the standard 0.08% adult limit. Even a single drink can trigger a charge.
License Consequences
A juvenile DUI conviction results in license suspension and can affect the ability to obtain a license once the driver becomes eligible.
College and Scholarship Impact
Many colleges, universities, and scholarship programs ask about criminal convictions. A DUI charge — even a juvenile offense — can affect admissions decisions and financial aid eligibility.
Criminal Record Implications
While juvenile records are sometimes sealed, a DUI conviction can still surface in background checks depending on the offense and how the case was handled. Protecting the record from the start is essential.
Fighting for a Young Person's Future
We take juvenile DUI cases seriously because the consequences — though often minimized in public perception — can follow a young person for years. A conviction can affect where they go to school, what jobs they can get, and how they're viewed by professional licensing boards later in life.
Our approach focuses on challenging the stop, the BAC evidence, and the procedures used — and on pursuing outcomes that protect the juvenile's record, including diversion programs, expungement eligibility, and charge reductions where available. We work with both the young person and their family to navigate the process and minimize long-term damage.
Juvenile DUI FAQ
What BAC level triggers a DUI for someone under 21 in Delaware?
Delaware's zero-tolerance law sets the limit at 0.02% BAC for drivers under 21 — meaning any measurable alcohol can result in a DUI charge. This is far stricter than the 0.08% standard that applies to adult drivers.
Will a juvenile DUI show up on a background check?
It depends on how the case was handled and what charges resulted. Juvenile records in Delaware are generally confidential, but a DUI conviction in Family Court may be accessible in certain circumstances. We work to protect the record from the earliest stage of the case.
Can my child attend college after a juvenile DUI?
A juvenile DUI does not automatically bar college admission, but it can affect the answer to disciplinary questions on applications and financial aid forms. The outcome of the case — and whether any conviction results — is the most important factor.
What should we do first after our child's DUI arrest?
Contact an attorney before your child makes any statements to police or school officials. The decisions made in the hours and days after an arrest significantly shape the available options. Early intervention gives us the best chance to protect your child's record and future.
Have more questions? Schedule a free consultation or call 302-735-8401.