Phoenix Underage DUI Lawyer

Underage DUI Attorney in Phoenix, AZ

Whether you are a college student or still in high school, being stopped in the wrong place, at the wrong time could spell out an underage driving under the influence (DUI) charge. Many teens experiment with alcohol, but this action can have serious and life-altering consequences. Whether your child is coming home from a house party in Westwood Heights or you are a college student at Arizona State University, a Phoenix underage DUI lawyer can help.

Phoenix Attorney Joshua S. Davidson: Underage DUI Defense

In all alcohol related offenses including DUI and Underage DUI, it is very important to have a lawyer who will examine all the facts and evidence surrounding your case. As your Phoenix DUI defense attorney, Joshua S. Davidson will take the time to thoroughly examine your case in an effort to get the DUI charges against you reduced or dismissed. He offers serious and aggressive representation to all of his clients, and as your lawyer he will fight hard to ensure a positive result to your case.

Defining an Underage DUI in Maricopa County

The state of Arizona employs a zero tolerance law for anyone under 21 years of age who is caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If a person under 21 years old has any amount of alcohol in their system while driving, even if they show no signs of impairment, they can be charged with an “Underage DUI”.

The consequences an underage person faces when convicted with this type of DUI offense are severe and can affect many aspects of their life, so it is important to hire an experienced attorney who knows how to handle underage DUI charges in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, Mesa and Tempe.

Underage alcohol consumption is a big deal in Phoenix, and in an effort to crack down on underage drinking, state agencies and prosecutors can be very harsh when dealing with underage defendants. The penalties for a first offense Underage DUI conviction could include the following:

• Fines and court costs totaling approximately $1700
• License suspension for up to 2 years
• Up to 180 days of jail time
• A criminal record with a class 1 misdemeanor
• Probation
• Community Service
• Alcohol abuse classes

In addition to these penalties, underage people attending high school or college in Phoenix risk being suspended or expelled from school, athletic teams and extra-curricular activities depending upon the rules of the particular institution. Violating Arizona’s zero-tolerance alcohol policy is a very serious offense.

If you or your child has been charged with Underage DUI in Arizona, you need to take the proper steps to ensure that your rights are protected throughout your trial. Because Arizona law enforcement agencies are so devoted to halting underage drinking and driving, it is absolutely necessary that you contact an attorney to defend you.

If the prosecutor decides to insist on the maximum penalty, you or your loved one could be facing some serious and upsetting life changes. With the proper defense you can help minimize the chances that you will receive a harsh sentence.

Collateral Damages of an Underage DUI Charge

The implications of a DUI conviction go beyond the legal penalties of fines and jail time. When an underage individual is convicted of a DUI, they can suffer consequences that may haunt them for the rest of their lives. These consequences can include:

• Employment difficulties. For individuals with a criminal conviction on their record, there is a near 30% unemployment rate. You may also get fired from your job, depending on whether you need a driver’s license to do said job, or if you have trouble getting yourself to work.
• Housing issues. When a student strikes out on their own, they will typically need to rent housing. It can be difficult to secure a lease if you have a criminal conviction on your record. A rental company or landlord will only approve applicants whom they believe will be able to pay their rent. A criminal conviction on your record could point to the suspicion that you will be unable to keep up with monthly payments.
• Difficulty securing loans. When trying to secure loans, like student loans, personal loans, or car loans, the loan servicing company or bank will likely conduct a background check on the applicant. If a criminal conviction shows up, they are more likely to deny you your loan application or, if they do not deny it outright, they might insist on a higher interest rate.
• Loss of scholarships. If you are a student at a local college or university and are there on scholarship, suffering a DUI conviction could result in you losing that scholarship. Many schools will make it a requirement for students to follow the law if they want to keep their scholarships. If you receive an underage DUI conviction, your scholarship can be lost, which can harm your educational and future employment opportunities.
• Increase in insurance rates. A DUI conviction has the ability to impact car insurance rates for up to 10 years in most cases. When a teen is convicted of a DUI, the insurance plan that they are currently on, typically one held by their parents, can severely increase its rates. In certain cases, the insurance carrier may even refuse to cover the underage individual’s vehicle.

Hire an Underage DUI Lawyer From Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm Today

If you or your child has been charged with a DUI in Phoenix, you need to hire an underage DUI lawyer as soon as possible. Between the possible legal penalties that may arise and the personal collateral damage your teen can suffer, you do not want to leave the outcome of an underage DUI case up to chance.

Charged with Underage DUI? Contact Phoenix DUI Defense Attorney Joshua S. Davidson at his Law Firm today!