Final answer:
The statement about facing up to nine months in jail for a DUI with an underage passenger can be true; however, it depends on state laws and the severity of the offense. DUI laws and penalties, boosted by advocacy from groups like MADD, are designed to deter intoxicated driving, particularly with minors involved.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that if you are charged with a DUI and have an underage friend as a passenger in your car, you could face up to nine months in jail is subject to variation based on different state laws and circumstances surrounding each individual case. It is true that driving under the influence, especially with minors present, can lead to increased penalties, including jail time, fines, and license suspension. However, the exact duration of the jail term would depend on the specific state’s legal statutes and the severity of the offense. The National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984, which established a federal incentive for states to raise the drinking age to 21. This law is an example of how serious the consequences of underage drinking and driving can be across the United States.