Underage Drunk Driving

Iowa Minor Drinking & Driving Laws

There are two different types of legal problems that can arise for underage individuals that are stopped and investigated for operating while intoxicated. 

First, they can be charged with any and all operating while intoxicated offenses just as a person over the age of 21 may be charged.  In these situations they face the same penalties and same consequences as someone over the age of 21, assuming the person is 18 years of age or older. 

Second, even if they provide a breath sample below .08 their driving privileges may be disqualified for what is commonly referred to as a “zero tolerance” violation.  The “legal limit” for all criminal prosecutions in the State of Iowa for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated is .08.  If a person under the age of 21 provides a breath sample in excess of .08 or is otherwise “under the influence” of alcohol, drug or a combination thereof, they will be charged with the normal operating while intoxicated offenses.  However, individuals under the age of 21, there is a lower “legal limit” that applies only to license revocation proceedings.  That level is .02. 

Under 21 - Alcohol Content In Excess of .02

In the event that a person provides a breath test and the test indicates an alcohol concentration in excess of .02 but less than .08, and they are under the age of 21, their driving privileges are disqualified for six months on a first offense, and they are not eligible for a temporary restricted license for 60 days from the start of the suspension. 

Driver's License Suspension Immediate

Also, the department of transportation does not issue a stay for zero tolerance violations so the suspension starts immediately and cannot be put on hold.

Iowa OWI Defenders
contact us at 1-888-278-1027

Gourley, Rehkemper & Lindholm
IOWA DRUNK DRIVING DEFENSE LAWYERS
303 Locust Street, Suite 200
Des Moines, Iowa 50309

Phone: (515) 226-0500
Toll free: 1-888-278-1027

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You can also get directions and see an enlarged map of the area surrounding the attorneys' offices at 303 Locust Street by clicking on the links above or the words in this paragraph.

free initial consultation

If you or someone you care about has been arrested for drunk driving or an intoxication related offense, remember that an arrest is not a conviction; there are many, many reasons why an OWI charge may be wrong. If the driver doesn't believe that he or she was drunk, that very well may be the case; breathalyzers can malfunction. There are also many other reasons for improper drunk driving accusations. We know, we find them all the time.

call Iowa OWI Defenders at 1-888-278-1027

For a free initial consultation, please call the law offices of Attorney Robert Rehkemper and Attorney Matthew Thomas Lindholm at (515) 226-0500, or if you are located outside the local Des Moines, West Des Moines, Iowa area, use our toll free number, (1-888-278-1027).

Send your OWI Arrest Information To An Attorney

You can also send details about your OWI arrest to the attorneys with the CASE SUBMISSION FORM. That form is very handy for after-hours communications, to give the attorneys a head's-up that you will be calling, or to leave a message for one of them to call you back. While arrest and charge information is public, be sure to exclude any confidential information.

prepare for consultation

The attorneys at Gourley, Rehkemper & Lindholm are extremely detail-orientated; they want information from you pertaining to every aspect of your case including your and police actions prior to the police stop, preliminary to your arrest, during arrest and after arrest.

An OWI DUI Questionnaire Form is ready for you to print and complete to prepare for your consultation with an attorney.

driver's rights card

Don't leave home without it! Get your Driver's Rights Card now, and keep it with you just in case you ever need it.

Gourley, Rehkemper & Lindholm founded the Driver's Rights Card to protect people's rights if ever they're stopped in Iowa by police for suspicion of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence. Protect your freedom - get the free card.