Juveniles and Alcohol in Utah

Last weekend, a 15-year-old juvenile who may have been under the influence of alcohol lost control of the vehicle he was driving and it ended up overturned on the side of the road. Supposedly several teens and young adults had been at a club in Salt Lake, and the 15-year-old was part of the group. The teen was allegedly given the keys to the vehicle by the 21-year-old owner who stated that he’d had too much to drink himself.

Citations for the Teen

There were several passengers in the car, but fortunately none were seriously injured. The teen is being investigated for driving under the influence of alcohol, not being a licensed driver and being an alcohol-restricted driver.

Utah Laws

In Utah, an alcohol-restricted driver is any person under the age of 21. A person who commits this offense is guilty of a class B misdemeanor. Under “normal” conditions, committing a DUI is a class B misdemeanor. However, when someone in the vehicle is injured, the charge could be increased to a class A misdemeanor.

Juvenile Court

Since the young man in question is a juvenile, his case will likely be handled in a Utah juvenile court. Juvenile courts are usually rehabilitative in nature, and this young man will presumably be helped in a fashion that will encourage not indulging in alcohol and associating with other kids and young adults who will be positive influences.

Contact a Utah Juvenile Defense Attorney

If you are helping a child who’s involved in the juvenile justice system, you should contact a Utah juvenile defense attorney as soon as possible. Having an attorney represent your child will help make sure that he or she is treated fairly and respectfully. We recognize the fact that children will sometimes make mistakes, but that by no means puts them beyond the reach of amendment.

We know you love and value your child and want to see the best happen for him. Call an attorney today and help put your child on the road to having a positive life.