What is the consequence if found guilty of DUI with passengers under the age of 15?

When a driver is found guilty of driving under the influence (DUI) with passengers under the age of 15, it is treated seriously by the legal system. Courts consider this situation as an aggravating factor during sentencing. This means that the presence of minors significantly increases the severity of the consequences faced by the offender.

The rationale behind this is to protect vulnerable populations, like children, from the dangers posed by impaired driving. The law recognizes that having children in the vehicle amplifies the potential for harm and shows a greater degree of irresponsibility on the part of the driver. As a result, DUI cases involving minors typically lead to harsher penalties, which can include increased fines, longer license suspensions, or additional jail time, compared to standard DUI cases where no minors are present.

In this context, the aggravating factor highlights the court's intent to deter such behavior and enhance public safety by ensuring that drivers are held accountable when their actions put children at risk.