Miami, Florida Underage DUI Lawyer

Knowledgeable Lawyer Helping Drivers Under the Age of 21 Defend Against DUI Charges in Miami

Intoxicated driving is illegal for people of any age. However, unlike adult DUI cases, where the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 percent, drivers who are below the legal drinking age of 21 can face penalties if they have much smaller amounts of alcohol in their system. Underage drivers may face license suspensions, fines, and other long-term consequences that may affect their futures.

Because of the serious nature of drunk driving charges, minors who have been arrested for DUI should make sure they work with an attorney to determine their best options for defense. At The Hoffman Firm, our DUI defense lawyer can work to reduce or dismiss the charges and help protect a young driver's future.

Florida's Zero-Tolerance Law for Underage DUI

Like most other states, Florida follows a zero tolerance policy when it comes to underage drinking and driving. Under the state's laws, a driver under the age of 21 will face administrative penalties, including an automatic license suspension, if tests conducted by law enforcement show that they have a BAC of 0.02 percent or higher. A BAC of 0.08 percent or higher will result in standard DUI charges, and the penalties will be the same as those for adult offenders.

Law enforcement officers can pull over underage drivers and request breath tests if they suspect alcohol consumption. As with other types of DUI traffic stops, an officer will typically need to have probable cause to believe that a minor was under the influence, or traffic stops may be performed for other reasons, such as speeding or other traffic violations.

Penalties for Underage DUI in Florida

Minors who are accused of violating the zero tolerance law will face administrative penalties. If tests show that an underage driver's BAC was at least .02 percent, their driver's license will be suspended for six months for a first offense, or they will face a one-year suspension for a second offense. If an underage driver refused to take a BAC test, their license will be suspended for one year for a first offense or 18 months for a second offense.

If a minor had a BAC of at least .05 percent, they will be required to take a substance abuse course before their license will be reinstated. In cases where tests show that a minor had a BAC of at least .08 percent, they will face the same penalties for DUI as an adult driver, which include a license revocation lasting from six months to one year, a possible jail sentence of as much as six months, fines ranging from $500 to $1,000, and at least 50 hours of community service.

How an Underage DUI Conviction Can Affect a Minor's Future

A DUI conviction can have long-term consequences beyond criminal penalties, including:

• College Admissions: Many universities require students to disclose criminal convictions, and a DUI may impact acceptance or scholarships. A minor who is arrested for DUI while attending college could face expulsion or other penalties.
• Job Opportunities: Employers may conduct background checks, and a DUI may affect eligibility for certain jobs. A person may be ineligible for jobs requiring driving, and they may also have trouble finding jobs in fields such as healthcare where DUI charges may indicate that they could put people at risk.
• Higher Insurance Rates: A DUI arrest can lead to significant increases in car insurance premiums, making it difficult for young drivers to afford coverage.
• Permanent Criminal Record: A conviction for DUI with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher will remain on a person's record. They will face more serious penalties if they are arrested for a second DUI in the future, and their criminal record could play a role in the severity of other charges as well.

Contact Our Miami, FL Underage DUI Defense Lawyer

A DUI arrest can have serious consequences for young drivers, affecting their driving privileges and their future opportunities. However, an arrest does not have to result in a conviction. At The Hoffman Firm, our attorney can fight to have DUI charges dismissed or reduced. We will work to protect the rights of young people and help them avoid having a DUI conviction on their record. To get legal help defending against underage DUI charges, contact us and set up a free consultation by calling 305-249-0090.