With “zero tolerance” laws in place across the U.S., you would think that anyone under the age wouldn’t be drinking, much less drinking and driving. But, we were all young ourselves, and we made our fair share of mistakes and irresponsible choices. In states like West Virginia, while underage drinking and driving is taken very seriously, there could be hope for a minor with a low blood alcohol concentration (BAC) DUI conviction to have their record expunged.
Enrollment and completion of the West Virginia Alcohol Test and Lock Program is an essential part of expunging an underage DUI in West Virginia. Just like any DUI offender in West Virginia, completing this program is essential to regaining your driver’s license and freedom to drive legally. The Alcohol Test and Lock Program is available to DUI offenders aged 18 years or older, and you will be required to install and maintain a car breathalyzer or ignition interlock while in the program. The difference for offenders between 18-20 years old is the “zero tolerance” aspect of underage drinking and driving in West Virginia – you only qualify for the expungement if your blood alcohol concentration was less than .08 percent at the time of your arrest.
Of course, the “zero tolerance” laws in our country support the idea that nobody under the age of 21 should be drinking alcohol and then driving. Starting off on such a dangerous road before you’re even legally allowed to drink could land you in even more trouble for many years to come. Plenty of people have permanently caused damage to their own lives, and the lives of others, when they chose to drink and drive. Even with a possibility for a DUI expungement in West Virginia, choosing to drive sober always the best choice. You have your whole life ahead of you, and a drunk driving conviction will only keep you from the most important aspect of adult life: your freedom.