Tempe Underage DUI Lawyer

Underage DUI Attorney in Tempe, AZ

When you are under 21 and facing a driving under the influence (DUI) charge, the consequences can be long-lasting and severe. Instead of trying to handle charges on your own, contact a Tempe underage DUI lawyer at Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm for assistance.

In addition to helping you navigate complex underage DUI laws and protecting your rights, our reputable attorney can negotiate on your behalf and minimize underage DUI penalties. With years of dedicated service, we can apply our legal knowledge to your case and prioritize your freedom.

How Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm Can Help

At Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm, we understand how DUIs work, and we know how to defend clients against even the most complex charges. When you hire an underage DUI lawyer from our firm, you are hiring a Tempe underage DUI attorney with over 20 years of experience. No matter the circumstances, you will receive personalized attention tailored to your case.

We also understand the local court system and how intimidating it can be to navigate court processes. When your underage DUI case goes through the Tempe Municipal Court, you do not need to worry because we can handle all of the complexities, meeting all important deadlines and requirements. Working with our law firm can lift a significant burden.

What Is an Underage DUI?

An underage DUI in Arizona, often called a baby DUI, is a zero-tolerance offense for drivers under 21 with any spirituous liquor or illegal drugs in their body, according to Arizona Revised Statutes §4-244. Underage drinking and driving are common, and fatalities can occur. For every 100,000 Americans under the age of 21, 1.6 people die in drunk driving fatalities.

Key aspects of underage DUI laws include:

• Zero tolerance. Because it is illegal for those under 21 to consume alcohol, Arizona applies a near-zero BAC limit, meaning even one drink can trigger a charge.
• Low BAC threshold. While the standard legal limit is .08% for adults, underage drivers are charged at much lower levels, starting at .01%.
• Criminal record. An underage DUI is typically a misdemeanor that creates a permanent criminal record, which can impact future education and employment opportunities.

Approximately 30% of young drivers aged 15-20 who died in vehicle crashes in 2022 had BACs of .01% or higher, and 25% had BACs of .08%. 

Underage DUI Penalties

The underage DUI penalties in Arizona are severe and include mandatory jail time/community services, thousands of dollars in fines and court fees, driver’s license suspension, vehicle impoundment, and other expenses. Depending on your situation, a skilled underage DUI attorney may be able to negotiate with prosecutors to minimize your penalties.

With that said, prosecutors tend to come down harshly on underage DUI offenses because of the serious safety risks involved. About one in four teen car crashes involves an underage drinking driver, and stiff penalties help deter the behavior that leads to these fatalities. To fully understand and navigate DUI penalties, sound legal counsel is advised.

Underage DUI Defenses

Underage DUI defenses focus on challenging the traffic stop legality, breathalyzer accuracy, and field sobriety test reliability. Common strategies include proving the BAC reading was flawed, citing rising blood alcohol levels, or demonstrating necessity. A thorough Tempe underage DUI attorney may be able to argue that law enforcement lacked reasonable suspicion or committed procedural errors.

No two underage DUI cases are the same, and the defense we apply to one situation may differ from another. However, when you contact our office, we can explore every option available to you. Our experienced DUI criminal defense attorney can review your case and challenge the evidence against you to build a strong defense.

Why Should I Hire an Underage DUI Lawyer?

Hiring a Tempe underage DUI lawyer at Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm is crucial to protect a minor’s future, as convictions can lead to long-term consequences. In addition to helping you navigate underage DUI laws and challenging evidence, our underage DUI attorney can negotiate for reduced charges and provide an aggressive defense when necessary.

FAQs

When Should You Contact an Underage DUI Attorney?

You should contact an underage DUI attorney immediately after an arrest or as soon as you are cited for driving with any measurable alcohol to prevent long-term damage to your criminal record, driver’s license, and future opportunities. The sooner you reach out to an attorney, the sooner they can review your case and begin building your defense.

Will an Underage DUI Affect My Insurance?

Yes, an underage DUI can significantly affect car insurance, typically causing rates to surge for at least three to five years. Insurance companies often reclassify young drivers as high-risk, leading to potential policy cancellation or requiring expensive, state-mandated SR-22 insurance filings. Overall, you can expect costs to drastically increase.

Can I Get a Restricted License to Go to School?

Yes, you can obtain a restricted driver’s license in Arizona to travel to and from school, work, and medical appointments after a DUI suspension. Eligibility typically requires serving a mandatory 30-day no-driving period, completing alcohol screening, installing an ignition interlock device, and obtaining SR-22 insurance. Contact the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) at 1703 E. Larkspur Ln. in Tempe for more information.

Will the Court Order Underage DUI Treatment?

Yes, Arizona courts commonly order underage DUI offenders to undergo substance abuse screening, education, and counseling/treatment. As part of Arizona’s zero-tolerance policy, underage DUI conviction penalties typically include mandatory alcohol education, community service, driver’s license suspension, and possible jail time. Underage DUI treatment and alcohol education may serve as an alternative to harsher penalties.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

When you are young and facing DUI charges in Tempe, it can be a terrifying experience. Even though underage DUI penalties can be harsh, our Tempe underage DUI lawyer at Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm has the skills and experience to find the most favorable solutions for your situation. Contact us to schedule your free consultation today.