For drivers of any age, an arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) can lead to serious criminal consequences. However, drivers under the legal drinking age of 21 can face strict penalties that can impact their futures, including license suspensions, fines, and other consequences. Facing an underage DUI charge and the range of penalties involved can make you feel burdened and confused about what comes next.
A Key West underage DUI lawyer could help you understand your legal rights while working toward a favorable outcome in your case. Contact Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC to consult a knowledgeable DUI lawyer who could provide you with support and guidance.
Florida Statutes § 316.193 addresses standard DUI charges. Drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher, or those who operate a vehicle while impaired by drugs or controlled substances, can face a misdemeanor DUI charge regardless of their age.
To prove DUI, prosecutors must show several elements. First, they must prove that the driver had physical control of a vehicle. Second, the driver must either have a BAC of 0.08 grams or more of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood—or 210 liters of breath—or be under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or a chemical substance that impaired their ability to drive.
Our experienced Key West underage DUI defense attorneys could use evidence, such as video footage, lab reports, lab testing methods, and witness statements, to question the strength of the prosecution’s case and raise any relevant constitutional issues.
Unlike standard DUI cases, underage drivers charged with DUI face unique issues. State law follows a zero-tolerance policy regarding underage drinking and driving. Under Fla. Stat. § 322.2616, drivers under age 21 charged with DUI face automatic license suspension and other administrative penalties if they have a BAC of anything over 0.02 percent. A first-time underage DUI offense will result in a six-month driver’s license suspension, while a second underage DUI will lead to a one-year suspension.
If an underage driver refused a BAC test, they could face a one-year driver’s license suspension for a first offense and 18 months for a second offense. An underage driver with a BAC over 0.05 percent must also take a substance abuse course before the courts can reinstate their driver’s license. Additional penalties include fines up to $1,000, court costs and fees, community service, probation, and the potential for jail time.
Young drivers convicted of DUI can also face additional indirect consequences, such as:
Losing driving privileges can create a wide range of problems that disrupt a young person’s life. You do not want a one-time mistake to cause permanent damage to your livelihood. The dedicated underage DUI attorneys at our Key West firm understand these potential issues and how to avoid them whenever possible.
An underage DUI conviction carries serious penalties, including driver’s license revocation, fines, probation, and potential jail time. In addition to penalties imposed by a court, underage drivers can experience lasting harm to their education and careers after a DUI conviction.
If you are under 21 and are facing DUI charges, you need a proven Key West underage DUI lawyer to fight for your rights. Call Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC, now to learn how our legal team could help you.
