16 year old got a D.U.I. (custody, legal, punishment)

[allisonguru]

My 16 year old stepson got a D.U.I. on Saturday night. His looser "ex-crack head" (who he lives with)dad left him alone for the long weekend so he could go to the river. I guess he decided to invite some friends over and things got out of hand(drinking) and they decided to go for a drive. My stepson drove his Ranger that he had just got, while his friend drove his Grandfathers Mercedes. They got pulled over for curfew, and then the officer did a sobritiy check. I was in San Diego at the time with his mother, and found out the following day. My question is what type of legal issues and punishment is he looking at? We live in California.

[StilltheSame]

He, you and his parents should be eternally grateful no one lost their lives because of his conduct.

[Momma_bear]

Originally Posted by allisonguru

My 16 year old stepson got a D.U.I. on Saturday night. His looser "ex-crack head" (who he lives with)dad left him alone for the long weekend so he could go to the river. I guess he decided to invite some friends over and things got out of hand(drinking) and they decided to go for a drive. My stepson drove his Ranger that he had just got, while his friend drove his Grandfathers Mercedes. They got pulled over for curfew, and then the officer did a sobritiy check. I was in San Diego at the time with his mother, and found out the following day. My question is what type of legal issues and punishment is he looking at? We live in California.

I cannot answer your question. I am simply posting to say that you are lucky that he is alive and he did not kill or injure anyone else. I guess you and his mother need to check up on him on the weekends and supervise him when his non-father is out of town. I am glad he is ok. I would call a lawyer about the legal issues.

[phonelady61]

Beside the state punishing him if I were you I would take the keys and he probably wont have a license for another ten yrs after the state has their way which is probably a good thing considering his lack of responsibilty . His crack head father needs a dose of reality too . I would consider getting custody of him because obviously his crack head dad is no good and a sorry parent to boot . I would let the judge know when you go to court that his dad is just sorry and no good .

[StilltheSame]

Allison,

Its not your fault, but I am so angry about this situation. I dont care who his father is and what he does. The fact is this child is 16 years old and should have known better. His conduct came about as the result of 2 things combined that he made the decision to do without any input from either of his parents: 1) drink (underage); and 2) drive after drinking. Whatever the punishment - he better man up because again - he is so very lucky he didnt take his or someone else's life.

I cannot imagine your anguish - but this problem was likely a long time coming and no one stopped it. Good luck. I wish you peace.

[sskkc]

It depends on the judge and the local laws. Try googling DUI laws in your state, or check the county website - CA counties have excellent websites.

In any case, it'll be expensive. I hope they throw the book at him and take his license for a good many years rather than just pile on the fees to the parents.

[allisonguru]

Thankyou all for your responses. I agree, he has gotten his truck taken away, and we are looking at getting custody of him. Now remember all, i am the step parent, and i try to give the best to him. It is his worthless "Father" that allows this behavior.

[kek1993]

Things will go better for him, if you immediately start substance abuse counseling classes, therapy, and AA. The sooner the better, this will look good when he goes to court. Most of this is covered by insurance.

He will probably lose his license until he is 18.

Judges are more leninent, the more contrite and proactive you are on the subtance abuse classes, to treat this as a serious issue. Start the documentation on attendance for verification for the judge, buy him a day planner to keep track of his substance abuse classes, counseling sessions, and AA sessions.

[StilltheSame]

Originally Posted by kek1993

Things will go better for him, if you immediately start substance abuse counseling classes, therapy, and AA. The sooner the better, this will look good when he goes to court. Most of this is covered by insurance.

He will probably lose his license until he is 18.

Judges are more leninent, the more contrite and proactive you are on the subtance abuse classes, to treat this as a serious issue. Start the documentation on attendance for verification for the judge, buy him a day planner to keep track of his substance abuse classes, counseling sessions, and AA sessions.

Kel,

Great suggestion.

[kek1993]

Make him go to about 2 or 3 AA sessions a week, that is what the judge will be looking for, not one or two every couple of weeks. Serious commitment to change will save you money on fines, restitution, and community service time or worse.

Can't hurt him either. Make him take the bus.