More than 5,000 underage students die each year from alcohol-related incidents, with nearly 40 percent being a direct result following a drinking and driving crash, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Those fortunate enough to survive an underage drinking and driving crash are charged with a DUI and have multiple obstacles to overcome.

The consequences of a DUI are unique to underage students. An underage person is subject to more direct penalties and laws, including:

• Misdemeanor charges
• Suspended license
• Zero tolerance policy

Zero Tolerance Policy

Also known as the “Not A Drop” rule, the zero tolerance policy is in place strictly for underage drivers in every U.S. state. If an underage driver is found with a BAC level of anything above .00 percent they are found guilty. This policy also gives the state the authority to revoke the individual's driver's license.

When will the revocation start?

If the individual does not refuse to take the blood, breath or urine test and their BAC is less than .08 percent their license will not be revoked immediately, however, if they are prosecuted at a later date they are subject to a suspended license for 30 days for a first offense DUI or 180 days for a second offense DUI.

For those who either refuse to take a BAC test or record a BAC level above .08 percent are immediately subject to a 180 day license suspension with eligibility for a limited license after 90 days. The limited license allows them to drive to school, work, chemical dependency treatment or family obligations.

Underage drinking and driving affects thousands of college students every year. Hiring an experienced and dedicated DUI attorney is the best chance to restore normalcy in the individual's life and help get him or her back on track and kick start their career.