Underage drinker charged with DWI in Colts Neck crash
Police have charged a 17-year-old boy with driving while intoxicated (DWI) in connection with an automobile accident which occurred in Colts Neck over Labor Day weekend. A 17-year-old passenger was also charged with underage possession of alcohol and hindering apprehension because he allegedly ran from the scene of the September 6th accident. For additional information, see the Asbury Park Press article.
It is important to remember the distinction between underage DWI and adult DWI in New Jersey. In this case, because the driver was 17, if he was under the influence of any alcohol at the time he operated the motor vehicle, he can be charged with underage driving while intoxicated (DWI). Thus, if he submits to a breath test and his breathalyzer readings are .01 or higher, he is guilty of underage DWI. Moreover, if his breath test results are .08 or higher, he can and will also be charged with adult driving while intoxicated (DWI). This is a significant distinction because the penalties and license suspension are significantly different for underage DWI (commonly known as "baby DWI") and adult DWI.
