Manhattan Beach Underage DUI Defense

Consequences of DUI for a Minor

Being charged with driving under the influence as a minor can be a very frightening experience. With the help of a Manhattan Beach criminal defense attorney, you can get a better idea of what is involved and they can fight to help you avoid the potential consequences. Depending on your blood alcohol content (BAC), different procedures will follow your arrest. If you have a BAC of .01% or more, the incident will be treated as a civil violation, unless your BAC is .05% or more. In this case, criminal charges will apply. If your BAC is .08% or greater, you will face the same procedures and potential penalties as an adult.

When tried for DUI as a minor, if you are under 21 and convicted, your license will be suspended for a minimum of one year. If you are under 18, it will be suspended until your 18 th birthday or for one year, whichever is the longer of the two. Additional penalties include fines and mandatory participation in safe driving and substance abuse programs. The severity of the consequences can be affected by whether or not you have prior DUIs or if aggravating factors existed, such as causing an injury while driving under the influence. In severe cases, imprisonment may result.

DUI Lawyer in Manhattan Beach

If you are a minor and have been charged with driving under the influence, don’t discuss the incident with police until you have an attorney present. The phones at The Law Offices of Decio Rangel Jr. are answered 24 hours a day as we want to make sure we are there for you when you need us. We offer a free consultation and will go to work immediately to endeavor to defend your driving privileges and your freedom.

Contact a Manhattan Beach DUI defense lawyer if you charged with DUI and are under 21 .