Tacoma Underage DUI Defense Lawyers

Helping You Fight an Underage DUI Conviction

If you are under 21 and are arrested for a DUI, you face many harsh consequences. Possible outcomes include an automatic driver’s license suspension and other potential penalties, such as having to spend time in jail, steep fines, and an alcohol evaluation. Aside from losing your driving privileges, you may face other collateral consequences, such as not being able to enroll in the higher learning institution of your choice or receive financial aid.

South Sound Law Group is a Tacoma law firm dedicated to helping clients avoid underage DUI convictions. If you are facing a minor DUI charge, you must hire a skilled criminal defense attorney who fights to help you avoid a conviction so you can achieve your life goals.

Contact our law offices today to schedule a free initial consultation to assess your legal needs and determine how we can assist you.

What is a Minor DUI Charge?

Washington law has a zero-tolerance policy that prohibits individuals under 21 from consuming alcohol and driving. If a person under 21 is pulled over and has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.02% or greater within two hours of driving or being in physical control of a vehicle, they may be charged with underage DUI.

Just as with individuals who are of legal drinking age, DUI may be determined through the use of field sobriety tests, a breathalyzer, or a blood test. Additionally, depending on the circumstances of the case, anyone underage who is arrested for DUI may also be charged with a Minor in Possession offense.

If you have been charged with underage DUI, you must take proactive steps to protect your future. Only an experienced DUI attorney understands the legal complexities involved in a minor DUI case and what steps can be taken to prevent a conviction.

What are the Criminal Penalties for a Minor DUI Offense?

In Washington, a minor DUI offense, often referred to as “driving after consuming alcohol,” is charged as a misdemeanor. There is often a concern that a minor DUI offense will result in a lengthy license suspension, making it challenging for the defendant to get to work and school. Generally, an underage DUI can lead to the Washington State Department of Licensing automatically suspending the defendant’s driver’s license for at least 90 days. However, the suspension could last for a maximum of two years and up to four years if convicted.

Other potential penalties for a minor DUI include:

• 90 days in jail
• A fine of up to $1,000
• Being ordered to serve up to two years of probation

Although the state imposes stiff penalties for underage DUI, no law dictates that defendants must be sentenced to mandatory jail time. When determining penalties, the judge will consider all relevant factors in the case, including the defendant’s age and any prior criminal history. It should also be noted that a conviction will not be counted as a prior offense if an individual is charged with a regular DUI as an adult.

What Legal Defenses Can Be Used to Fight a Minor DUI Charge?

An underage DUI in Washington can have a long-lasting negative impact on future employment, insurance rates, and enrolling in college. Fortunately, minor DUI lawyers have several tools to build solid defense strategies and fight charges.

Lack of Probable Cause

An under-21 DUI attorney can review the dashcam footage and other evidence to determine if the officer had reasonable suspicion to make the traffic stop. If it is determined that there was no probable cause, your attorney can file a motion asking that the evidence be excluded, which can lead to the case being thrown out.

Challenging Test Results

Breath and blood tests are not always accurate, and the prosecution must prove that your BAC was at least 0.02% or higher to secure an underage DUI conviction. An attorney will scrutinize the evidence to determine if the tests were administered improperly or if the testing equipment was improperly calibrated.

Affirmative Defenses

A minor DUI attorney may be able to argue that although their client did consume alcohol, it was after they were finished driving, within the two-hour time limit, which resulted in a BAC of 0.02%

Other common legal defenses include adverse testing effects from medications, mouthwash, or the fact that the defendant was not physically in control of the vehicle at the time of the arrest.

What Makes Your DUI Criminal Defense Lawyer the Best Choice to Fight Underage DUI Charges?

At South Sound Law Group, we aim to dismiss your DUI charges so you can resume your life. If you are a minor found to be over the legal limit, you must hire a qualified defense attorney immediately. Because any minor arrested for DUI is subject to an automatic license suspension, you need an attorney who will represent you at an administrative hearing to try to defend your driving privileges.

When you seek help from our law firm, a minor DUI defense attorney will immediately get to work analyzing the state’s case, disputing breath or blood tests, filing motions asking that the evidence be excluded, and negotiating with the prosecution to dismiss or reduce the charges. Additionally, our DUI defense lawyers will help you navigate the complex legal process, so you know what to expect as the case progresses through the criminal justice system.

South Sound Law Group has extensive experience fighting underage DUI charges and understands what it takes to persuade prosecutors to drop charges or secure favorable plea deals. However, if we are unable to have the criminal charges reduced or dropped, we are prepared to take the case to court to try to win a not guilty verdict.

Contact our Tacoma law office today at 253-465-2722 to schedule a free initial consultation, and we will determine how we can assist you.