When a person is killed in a drunk driving accident, it often becomes a high-profile news story. Tragedies involving young drivers tend to draw particular attention, and cases involving teenagers killed or seriously injured in drunk driving accidents have prompted law enforcement across Colorado to take a closer look at underage drinking and its connection to DUI incidents.
Periodic surveys of Colorado youth, such as the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, have tracked teen alcohol use and binge drinking trends over the years to help state agencies understand where prevention and enforcement efforts are most needed. These trends have, at various points, shown underage drinking and alcohol-related citations trending in step with broader DUI enforcement patterns across the state.
Why Teen DUI Cases Draw Extra Scrutiny
Colorado, like most states, treats underage drinking and driving more strictly than DUI offenses involving adults. Because drivers under 21 are legally prohibited from having any measurable alcohol in their system while driving, even a small amount can result in a citation, well below the .08 blood alcohol threshold that applies to adult drivers. This “zero tolerance” approach reflects the added public safety concern around inexperienced drivers combining driving with any amount of alcohol.
Potential Consequences of a Teen DUI Conviction
Strict penalties apply to anyone under 21 convicted of a DUI-related offense in Colorado. Depending on the circumstances, these can include:
- Suspension or revocation of driving privileges
- Fines and mandatory court costs
- Required alcohol education or treatment programs
- A criminal record that can affect college admissions, financial aid, or future employment
The consequences of a conviction often last well beyond the case itself. A criminal record from a teenage DUI can follow a young person into adulthood, affecting opportunities that have nothing to do with driving.
What Families Should Know
If your teenager has been cited for DUI or an alcohol-related driving offense in Colorado, understanding the process and the options available is an important first step. Every case involves its own set of facts, and the right approach depends on the specific circumstances, including the teen’s driving record and the details of the citation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teen DUI in Colorado
What blood alcohol level applies to drivers under 21 in Colorado?
Colorado applies a zero-tolerance standard to drivers under 21, meaning any measurable amount of alcohol can result in a citation, rather than the .08 threshold that applies to drivers 21 and older.
Can a teen DUI conviction affect college admissions or financial aid?
It’s possible. Some colleges and financial aid programs ask about criminal history, and a DUI-related conviction could factor into those decisions depending on the institution’s policies.
Does a teen DUI charge always result in a criminal record?
Outcomes vary based on the specific facts of the case, prior record, and how the charge is handled. Speaking with an attorney about the options available in your specific situation is an important early step.
What should a parent do if their teen is cited for an alcohol-related driving offense?
Understanding the citation, any upcoming court dates, and the potential range of consequences is an important first step, and consulting with an attorney early can help clarify what options may be available.
Written by
Shazam KianpourDenver Criminal Defense Attorney & Founder, Shazam Kianpour & Associates, P.C. — Over 10,000 criminal and traffic cases handled across Colorado.