In Louisiana, drivers who are under the legal drinking age (21 years old) are prohibited from operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .02% or more. However, the penalties for an underage OWI violation are different than those for a standard OWI.
An underage OWI carries the following penalties:
The judge gets to decide, based on the circumstance of the case, how to sentence the driver within these ranges.
Underage drivers who are caught operating a vehicle with a BAC of .08% or more or while under the influence of (impaired by) drugs or alcohol face the standard OWI penalties. Depending on the circumstances, someone convicted of a standard OWI could be looking at fines, jail time, and license suspension.
Regardless of the charge, it's always best to talk to an experienced OWI attorney if you've been cited for driving under the influence. A qualified lawyer can tell you how the law applies to your situation and help you decide on the best course of action.