Scottsdale Underage DUI Lawyer

Underage DUI Attorney in Scottsdale, AZ

When an individual under the legal drinking age is pulled over and arrested for a DUI, it can have significant impacts on their future. If your child has been charged with a DUI driving on Scottsdale Road or elsewhere, or you are a college student at Scottsdale Community College, it is imperative that you speak with an experienced Scottsdale underage DUI lawyer who can protect and defend your rights as soon as possible.

Trust Your Child’s DUI Offense to Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm

Since our Phoenix-based law firm was established in 2005, the team at Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm has been representing clients charged with a range of criminal offenses, including underage DUI cases. Lead attorney Joshua S. Davidson has been a member of the bar since 1998 and is licensed to defend clients in both the state and federal courts. When you and your child are facing this difficult time, we are the legal team you can trust.

Underage DUI Charges in Scottsdale, Arizona

In Scottsdale, Arizona, it is illegal for any individual under the legal drinking age of 21 to be found driving or in “actual physical control of a vehicle” with any amount of “spirituous liquor” inside their body. Despite this law, underage individuals still find ways to get their hands on alcohol, and when they do, it can have serious consequences.

In 2024, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health showed that around 12.7 million people, ages 12 to 20, had reported drinking at least one alcoholic beverage in their lifetime, and around 4,000 individuals under the age of 21 die from excessive alcohol usage each year, according to the CDC.

Arizona operates under a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to underage drinking and driving. This means that if you or your child has allegedly been found to have any trace amount of alcohol in their system while driving, they can face DUI charges. At Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm, we understand that mistakes are made and wholeheartedly believe that such mistakes do not warrant the ruination of a young person’s future. We are here to help.

The Collateral Consequences of an Underage DUI Charge

When an underage individual is charged with a DUI, they face legal penalties such as jail time, fines, and probation. However, it is important to remember that these charges can also carry severe collateral consequences for a defendant’s future. These collateral consequences can include:

• Insurance increase. For individuals with a DUI on record, their auto insurance can skyrocket. Insurance providers typically see a DUI offender, particularly those who are underage, as a high-risk driver. This often results in significantly higher premiums or the possibility that you could be dropped from coverage completely.
• Career and education impact. Having an underage DUI charge on your criminal record could harm your ability to seek employment and education in the future. During the admissions process, many colleges and universities will take a criminal record into account, and you could lose scholarship opportunities or even be expelled.
• Social impact. At such a young age, the stigma of having a DUI conviction on record can be devastating. You could find yourself facing rejection from previous friends and social circles that welcomed you. It can also strain your relationship with close family members, leading to stress and challenges regarding your mental health.

At the end of the day, an underage DUI conviction is serious and can derail the entire course of your or your child’s future. At Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm, we are committed to protecting your rights and advocating for the most favorable outcome possible. Trust our defense strategies to preserve your future today.

FAQs

What Legal Penalties Can You Face for an Underage DUI in Arizona?

In Arizona, there are several legal penalties you can face for an underage DUI conviction. A first-time underage DUI conviction is typically charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor, and you could face jail time, financial penalties, driver’s license suspension, a stain on your criminal record, mandatory alcohol or drug counseling, mandatory alcohol and drug testing, community service, and probation.

When Might an Underage DUI Defendant Be Charged as an Adult?

An underage DUI defendant can be charged as an adult in Arizona if factors outlined in state law are present in their case. Judges may decide to charge a minor as an adult based on the seriousness of the offense, if the juvenile defendant has a prior criminal or court history, and based on their mental state, the possibility for successful rehabilitation, and their emotional maturity.

What Are Some Charges Related to Underage DUI?

In addition to facing an underage DUI charge, there are also certain related charges one can face that can increase the penalties should a conviction be successful. These related charges include minor in possession of alcohol, or an MIP charge, soliciting alcohol charges, and, if there are other intoxicated passengers in your vehicle, you could be charged with alcohol distribution to other minors.

What Should I Do When Pulled Over for a DUI in Arizona?

In Arizona, if you are pulled over for an underage DUI, there are steps you should take that can help protect your rights. First, it is important that you do not try to evade arrest and that you are calm and polite. After turning off your car’s engine, place your hands on the wheel and remove any hood, hat, or glasses. After providing the necessary information, you have the right to remain silent and call your Scottsdale underage DUI attorney.

Hire an Underage DUI Lawyer Serving Scottsdale Today

If you or your child is under the legal drinking age of 21 and has been arrested for driving under the influence in Scottsdale, you need to hire an underage DUI lawyer as soon as possible. In most cases, the very future of you or your child now hangs in the balance, and at Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm, we have extensive experience protecting the rights of both minors and adults charged with an underage DUI. For a free consultation, contact us today.