Massachusetts treats drunk driving as a serious crime. Suspected drunk drivers who cause accidents resulting in injury or significant property damage are likely to be pursued doggedly by local prosecutors. This is true even in cases where the alleged drunk driver is underage.

One Peabody teen is experiencing this firsthand after allegedly causing a Massachusetts drunk driving accident in mid-December.

The 18 year-old teen is facing five criminal charges - including OUI and reckless driving - resulting from an accident in which he crashed his car into a home. Police say the teen was driving approximately 109 miles per hour and had a blood alcohol level more than 2 1/2 times the legal limit.

It appears that Peabody law enforcement is pursuing the case quite aggressively. Although criminal defendants are usually served court summons by mail, police came into the teen's classroom during the middle of a school day to serve his.

The teen's OUI defense lawyer is questioning the case's merits. He says the teen never spoke with police at the scene and was not given a Breathalyzer or any field sobriety tests.

The teen pleaded not guilty to all five charges.

Consequences of an Underage OUI

Although the legal limit for adults is 0.08, Massachusetts drivers under age 21 can be charged with OUI for blood alcohol levels as low as 0.02. If convicted on a first offense, they could lose their drivers license for up to two years, be required to pay substantial fines and maybe even face jail time.

The consequences can range far beyond those imposed by the criminal court. OUI charges can hurt teens who are applying to colleges and can cause student athletes to be suspended from their sports teams. Teens may also be subject to a court-imposed curfew and periodic drug and alcohol testing.

The only guaranteed way to avoid a drunk driving charge is to never get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol. However, if you do find yourself charged with OUI, make sure to talk with a lawyer right away.

Source: Boston.com, "Peabody Teen Charged With OUI in Crash at Herrick Road Home," Justin Rice, Jan. 11, 2012.