In most cases, an underage DUI isn’t a misdemeanor or felony charge – it’s an infraction. An infraction doesn’t include the possibility of jail time, and it won’t appear on the minor’s permanent record.
But it’s still important to avoid a conviction in every underage DUI case because sentences include a minimum one-year license suspension, attendance at a mandatory alcohol and/or drug program, and fines. Anyone who’s under age 21 and has a BAC (blood alcohol level) anywhere from .01%-0.7% will be arrested and charged with an underage DUI infraction.
Misdemeanor or felony underage DUIs
However, if a minor is found to have a BAC that’s above .08%, drives while otherwise impaired, or injures or kills another individual because of this impairment will likely be arrested and charged for a misdemeanor or perhaps even a felony DUI crime. Depending on the circumstances of each case, potential sentences vary widely. If someone was injured or killed because of the impairment or if the individual has been arrested for DUI multiple times, the prosecution may opt to prosecute the crime as a felony. It’s also possible that if the BAC was extremely high – perhaps above .15% – the charge could become a felony.
Underage DUI laws have many nuances, so it can be extremely difficult to discern their exact meanings on your own. But you don’t have to, and there’s no need to go it alone.
Get help with your underage DUI case now
If you’re dealing with an underage DUI charge, come speak with Southern California’s top underage DUI attorney – Dan Chambers of the Chambers Law Firm – about your case. All prospective clients are invited to schedule a free initial consultation with Attorney Chambers at one of his 7 Southern California offices. To find one that’s most convenient for you to get to and schedule your first appointment, simply call 714-760-4088, email dchambers@clfca.com, or use the chat box below.
What will happen at this first consultation?
You may be wondering what your first consultation will be like. First, Attorney Chambers will study all the details of your case. Then he’ll begin formulating your personalized defense strategy to achieve the ideal outcome in your case. At your first consultation, Attorney Chambers will tell you exactly what you can expect the outcome of your case will be so you can be prepared for the best and worse potential result. Depending on the evidence against you, the prosecution might not even have much of a case, and the charge(s) could be dropped entirely. Maybe the prosecution will offer a plea bargain which will allow you to have reduced penalties.
One major advantage of working with Attorney Chambers for your underage DUI case is that he’s a former prosecutor. He knows all the prosecutions’ tricks for getting a guilty verdict so he can effective outmaneuver the other side to achieve the ideal outcome in your case.
Schedule your first consultation at any of the 6 Southern California Chambers Law Firm offices now.
Call: 714-760-4088
Email: dchambers@clfca.com
Or use the chat box below for immediate assistance.
