The New Jersey Underage DWI-DUI statute, N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.14, also known as the "baby DWI-DUI" makes it illegal for any person under the legal age (21) to operate a motor vehicle with virtually any alcohol in their system.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reading of between a .01 and a .08 will result in the driver being subject to a license suspension of up to 90 days. Additionally, the charge carries up to 30 days community service. The individual must also pay the statutory fines, and attend the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC).
The underage DWI-DUI statute is in many ways better for the defendant than the normal NJ DWI-DUI charge under N.J.S.A. 39:4-50. This is because the same BAC reading under the normal DWI-DUI statue carries a mandatory 3 months loss of license. Furthermore, the underage DWI-DUI charge will not be used as a prior offense if the same individual receives a subsequent DWI-DUI charge.
