Is Underage DWI a Serious Offense in Tennessee?

 Posted on June 08, 2025 in DUI/DWI/BUI

For many people under 21, an underage drinking charge may be their first encounter with law enforcement. In Tennessee, drunk driving while under 21 is known as driving while impaired, or DWI. If you have been accused of DWI, you may be anxious about how the charge will affect your future. A Tennessee DWI defense lawyer can provide you with counsel and representation to help protect your best interests.

A conviction of DWI in Tennessee can come with serious consequences. At Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney, we know what is at stake in cases like these. When you work with our firm, we will provide you with strong advocacy to work toward the best possible outcome.

What Is the Zero Tolerance Law?

Tennessee has a "zero tolerance" law against underage drinking. Essentially, this means that drivers under 21 are held to much stricter standards when it comes to alcohol consumption. For most drivers, the legal limit for alcohol in the bloodstream is a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent. However, if you are under 21, the limit is .02 percent.

If you are pulled over and found to have any detectable alcohol on your breath while under 21, you could be arrested and charged with DWI. A skilled defense lawyer could challenge the results of the breath test to see if proper procedures were followed.

Will I Lose My License for a First DWI?

If you have been charged with DWI in Tennessee, losing your license is a real possibility. On a conviction of this offense, you could lose your license for up to a year. Unlike a DUI offense for people of the legal drinking age, you cannot apply for a restricted license after a DWI conviction. This can severely affect your ability to go to college or get to work.

It is critical that you challenge a charge of driving while impaired, knowing the possible consequences of a conviction. At Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney, we can explore your options to mitigate your sentence.

Is DWI Punishable By Jail Time?

Some states impose jail time for underage drunk driving offenses. However, incarceration is not included as a punishment for DWI in Tennessee. Instead, a judge can sentence an offender with a flat $250 fine and public service work.

Although DWI by itself is not punishable by jail time, offenders could still be jailed for crimes committed at the same time as the incident, such as hit and run or evading arrest. If you have been accused of another crime in addition to underage drunk driving, Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney can help you contest the other charges as well.

Meet With a Union County, TN DWI Defense Attorney

Have you been accused of driving while impaired? If so, a Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney can represent you in court, fighting to keep your criminal record clean while protecting your driving privileges. Our Anderson County, TN drunk driving defense lawyer has years of proven legal experience and has defended many clients accused of drunk driving. To schedule a free initial consultation, call our firm at 865-281-1000 today.