What Are DUI Child Endangerment Laws?

Most states today have some form of child endangerment statute. About half of the states also have DUI Child Endangerment laws to punish drunk driving DUI / DWI offenders who transport a minor at the time of the offense. These laws either enhance the existing DUI / DWI penalties or make it a separate offense to transport a minor while driving under the influence. What Is the Penalty for Drunk Driving with a Minor as Passenger? The penalties imposed on a DUI offender who is transporting a minor at the time of the offense varies from state to state: • California • If minor passenger is under 14 years old, California enhances existing DUI penalties by 48 hours in jail for a first offense up to 90 days in jail for multiple offenses • DUI offender with a passenger who is a minor may also be convicted of child endangerment, a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for up to one year, or in the state prison up to six years • Florida • If minor passenger is under 18 years ...  more