FREE Personal Injury Claims Quiz

Take My Free Quiz Now!
(719) 757-1182

Is a religious service a loophole for the zero-tolerance law?

September 16, 2021 – admin – Drunk Driving

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Colorado Springs | Call 719-757-1182

Foley Law Zero Tolerance Religious Exemption 16sept2021 blog 1024x576 1 1

The government sets specific chemical limits for the presence of alcohol in someone’s body while they drive to protect the public. Those driving a commercial vehicle cannot have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) higher than 0.04%. Those driving standard passenger vehicles will face arrest if their BAC reaches 0.08%.

For those who are not yet old enough to drink lawfully, Colorado has a zero-tolerance policy. A young adult does not have to be anywhere near the legal limit for alcohol to face underage drunk driving charges. If your family frequently attends religious services, like a Catholic mass, where alcohol plays a role, could your faith be a defense against a teenage drunk driving charge?

Religious alcohol consumption likely wouldn’t trigger charges

In theory, there is nothing illegal about young adults consuming alcohol as part of their religious observances. Children as young as eight years old may receive communion wine at a Catholic service, for example.

Traditionally, alcohol drunk at these services comes in very small amounts and may also have water added before people consume it. Colorado’s zero-tolerance law already reflects the possibility that a young adult might consume a small amount of alcohol for medical or religious purposes.

The teenager taking a breath test will have to have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02% or higher to fail the test. A single sip of wine will rarely be enough to push someone’s BAC over the limit for the zero-tolerance law. Learning more about the rules that apply to underage drunk-driving charges in Colorado can help you or a loved one defend themselves in court.

Related Blog Posts

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Colorado Springs | Call 719-757-1182

THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING A DRUNK DRIVING ARREST

Were you recently stopped by law enforcement for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol? This can be a scary time in your life, as there are a lot…

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Colorado Springs | Call 719-757-1182

WHY DO SO MANY PEOPLE DRINK AND DRIVE?

Drinking and driving is a common phenomenon despite the fact that virtually everyone knows it is illegal and dangerous. People drink alcohol and get behind the wheel even when they…

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Colorado Springs | Call 719-757-1182

DUI Or DWAI: What Is The Difference?

DUI, also known as driving under the influence, means that you operated a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. In the state of Colorado, the legal blood alcohol…

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Colorado Springs | Call 719-757-1182

CAN YOU DRIVE AFTER A DRINK OR TWO?

You go out to dinner with friends. The meal starts with a pre-dinner drink. During the meal, you have another drink. Things eventually wrap up and you get in your…

Personal Injury Lawyer in Colorado Springs | Call 719-757-1182

Our Location

Pease Enter Your Name and Number For Callback

Request A Call Back