New Mexico DWI Laws for Drivers Under 21
Getting arrested for DWI when you are under 21 years old can be scary and stressful. The sooner you speak with an experienced New Mexico DWI attorney, the better your chances are of receiving a favorable outcome for your case. The New Mexico Legal Group is a criminal defense law firm that has handled thousands of cases on behalf of people arrested for DWI in New Mexico. We have developed a great reputation based on our ability to get charges dropped or reduced for our clients.
Driving while intoxicated with liquor or drugs is illegal. Drivers under 21 years old with a blood-alcohol level of .02 or higher are classified as legally drunk in the state of New Mexico. Once a person under 21 years old exceeds the legal blood alcohol limit, it is assumed the person is not able to drive the vehicle safely and poses a danger to others on the road.
Penalties for DWI Under 21 in New Mexico
New Mexico takes drunk driving cases very seriously. A person under 21 years old who is convicted of DWI may face constant supervision by state law enforcement authorities, license suspension, and fines. Some of the penalties for a DWI include:
- Treatment in a rehabilitation program
- Community service
- Alcohol screening
- Driver’s license revoked
- Ignition interlock system installed on the vehicle once driving privileges are reinstated
- Detention for up to 15 days in detention facility if under 18 years old
- Jail time up to 90 days and a $500 fine for first-time offenders at least 18 years old
- Probation terms based on the discretion of the court
