According to recent statistics police have arrested a growing number of youths engaged in unlawful drinking and driving in Torrance and the beach cities, according to Torrance DUI Lawyer, Matthew Ruff.

The applicable laws relating to underage DUI in California is that no one under 21 is permitted to drive with a a blood alcohol level of .01% or higher. Most of these laws make the offense an infraction. This offense usually only results in a ticket being issued and the youth is generally released without being taken in to custody or booked into jail.

The interesting aspect of these laws according to the Under 21 DUI Attorney in Torrance is that the law permits the police officer to administer a portable breath testing device, PAS or “Preliminary Alcohol Screening” machine to ascertain the blood alcohol content of the driver. This differs greatly for those over 21 who have the right to refuse the PAS and must be given a different type of breath test called an “evidentiary test” or a blood test. Those youths that have not yet reached the age of 21 have no such right. A minor  that is detained for suspicion of driving after having consumed an alcoholic beverage and subsequently refuses to take a PAS test will have their  license will automatically be suspended for one year with no provision to apply for a hardship restricted license for any reason.

If you were arrested for underage dui or minor in possession of alcohol in Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes or Hermosa Beach we can help to fight the case and avoid serious consequences of getting charged with driving under the influence as a minor.

Torrance Under age DUI Attorney Matthew Ruff is know as the Master of DUI Defense and is trained by NHTSA and certified for field sobriety testing.