No one expects their loved one to be affected by underage drinking. For a young person and their family, an underage drinking or DWI-related charge can be an upsetting experience. For parents, it is natural to wonder how one mistake could affect a child’s future.
Fortunately, a first-time incident does not necessarily define what comes next. Depending on the circumstances and how the case is resolved, there may be options for limiting the impact on their record.
What parents should know about expungement
Whether an underage drinking charge can be expunged depends on the specific offense and how the case was handled. Minnesota law provides for automatic expungement in certain situations, including some cases where charges are dismissed or proceedings are resolved in the person’s favor. Certain qualifying misdemeanor and petty misdemeanor convictions may also become eligible for expungement after a waiting period if other requirements are met.
The outcome can also depend on whether the young person was prosecuted in juvenile court or adult court. Minnesota law allows a juvenile court to expunge delinquency records when the court determines that the benefit of sealing the record outweighs the impact on the public and public safety. The court may consider factors such as the person’s age, background and the circumstances of the offense.
For a first-time DWI, parents may also want to look beyond the criminal record itself. Minnesota has separate consequences for driving privileges, and a DWI conviction involving someone under 21 can result in a six-month driver’s license revocation. Understanding these issues early can help families make informed decisions about how to handle the case.
If your child is facing an underage drinking or DWI-related charge, there may be ways to keep a single mistake from following them. Speaking with a legal professional familiar with Minnesota DWI law can help your family understand the available options and determine what steps may give your child the best path forward.