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What is Oregon's zero tolerance policy?

It is widely known that in Oregon, people under the age of 21 are not permitted to purchase or use alcohol. This drinking limit is in place across the United States to help keep young adults and teenagers safe. However, it is also widely understood that many young people recreationally drink alcohol. In response to this, Oregon has created a zero tolerance policy. Many may question what exactly this policy entails.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Oregon has had a long standing policy against underage drunk driving. While the legal limit for most drivers is .08 percent, under Oregon's zero tolerance policy, the legal limit for drivers under the age of 21 is significantly lower. For drivers ages 18 to 21, the legal limit is .00 percent. Law enforcement officials claim this lowered legal limit reduces the number of accident involving underage drunk drivers on Oregon roads.

With this limit, even one drink can lead to drunk driving charges for those under age 21. Like other drunk driving charges, underage drunk driving charges can lead to significant penalties for a person. While this blog post cannot provide specific legal advice, generally, these penalties can include large fines, jail or prison time, loss of a driver's license and a permanent criminal record.

For young people, protecting their future is very important. An underage DUI conviction has the ability to affect them for years to come. However, with skilled legal help, people may be able to avoid the charges. In some cases, challenging the police's evidence of intoxication -- such as the results of the breath test -- can lead to reduced charges. In other situations, negotiating with the prosecutor can result in a favorable outcome for the accused.

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