Fort Lauderdale, Florida Underage DUI Attorney

Lawyer Helping Minors Defend Against Charges of DUI in Fort Lauderdale

The state of Florida has strict laws that address underage drinking and driving. While the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for adults is 0.08 percent, anyone under the age of 21 can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Florida if they have a BAC of just 0.02 percent. Even a small amount of alcohol in a minor's system can lead to administrative penalties and potential criminal charges. For minors and their families, the consequences of an underage DUI can be serious and far-reaching.

The attorney at The Hoffman Firm defends young adults who have been charged with DUI in Fort Lauderdale. Whether an arrest occurred during a spring break trip or another situation where a student was visiting from out of state, or a local resident has been charged with underage DUI, we can help minors and their families navigate the criminal justice system with the goal of protecting their futures. Our goal is to help our clients minimize the legal consequences of underage DUI charges. Whenever possible, we will fight to prevent a conviction that could impact a minor's education, employment, or other aspects of their life.

When Minors Can Be Charged With DUI in Florida

Under Florida law, underage DUI violations are administrative offenses rather than criminal charges. A violation will typically result in an immediate driver's license suspension. The suspension will usually last for six months for a first offense or one year for a second offense.

If a minor is charged with DUI in which their BAC was 0.08 percent or higher, they may face criminal DUI charges. These cases are handled the same as adult DUI charges. The penalties will most likely be more severe, and they may include fines, probation, community service, and the possibility of jail time.

Common scenarios that may lead to underage DUI charges include:

• A minor being pulled over after leaving a party or bar
• A college student visiting Fort Lauderdale for spring break or other school vacations and being stopped at a DUI checkpoint
• A young driver being involved in an accident after consuming alcohol
• A minor operating a vehicle after using marijuana or another controlled substance

Because Fort Lauderdale is a popular destination for tourists and students, underage DUI charges are frequently filed against young visitors who may not fully understand Florida's DUI laws. If an underage driver is stopped by police and asked to take a breath test, they will most likely be arrested and charged with DUI if the test shows that they have a BAC above .02 percent.

A Strong Defense Against Underage DUI Charges

The team at The Hoffman Firm understands the long-term consequences that a minor may face following an underage DUI conviction. When a young person's driver's license is suspended, they may have trouble getting to school or maintaining employment. The requirement to complete community service, undergo treatment, or meet other obligations during probation can cause difficulty for a minor and their family. DUI charges may also lead to consequences that could affect a minor's educational opportunities or their ability to find and maintain employment.

Our lawyer works to help young clients and their families address legal concerns related to DUI charges with the goal of minimizing the damage that could affect their lives. He provides comprehensive legal support to address both administrative penalties and criminal charges of DUI. His services include:

• Providing representation during administrative license suspension hearings
• Investigating the legality of a traffic stop or arrest
• Questioning the procedures used during field sobriety tests
• Challenging the accuracy and validity of blood alcohol test results
• Identifying any violations of the minor's rights during the arrest or when being questioned by police officers
• Negotiating for a reduction in charges to help a minor avoid a criminal conviction and minimize their potential penalties
• Determining whether a minor may be eligible for diversion programs or deferred adjudication options

In many cases, it may be possible to resolve an underage DUI case without a conviction by securing a reduction to a lesser offense such as reckless driving or by negotiating alternative sentencing options such as alcohol education classes, community service, or counseling. For out-of-state students or visitors, our attorney will work to resolve matters efficiently and, when possible, minimize the need for in-person court appearances.

Contact Our Fort Lauderdale, FL Underage DUI Lawyer

When a young person has been charged with underage DUI, they or their family members will need to act quickly to protect their rights and their future. Even a first offense can have serious consequences, but with the right legal representation, it may be possible to avoid a conviction and reduce the penalties that may apply for a drunk driving charge. The lawyer at The Hoffman Firm can guide families through this difficult process while focusing on achieving the best possible results. Contact our Fort Lauderdale underage DUI defense attorney by calling 954-524-4474 and scheduling a free consultation.