Underage DUI Defense Attorney in Tampa

DUI Laws and Punishments for Persons Under 21

If you or a loved one has been accused of underage drinking and driving, the Tampa DUI lawyers at Parks & Braxton, PA may defend for your rights in court and help you obtain the case outcome you need. Driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .08% or higher is illegal throughout the United States for individuals more than 21 years old. DUI law for individuals under the age of 21 are more strict, and as a result, the penalties these individuals face will be different from those 21 year of age and older.

Florida's Zero Tolerance Law

Florida enforces a zero tolerance policy regarding underage drinking and driving. In other words, individuals less than 21 years old are not allowed to drive with any traceable amount of alcohol in their system. If a police officer finds any underage driver operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .02% or more, the driver will lose his/her driving privileges for six months.

This means that young drivers cannot have one drink before getting behind the wheel of a car – even one beer can easily elevate a minor's BAC to .02% or more. If you or your child has been accused of drinking and driving, contact a Tampa DIO attorney from our firm today. Our legal team has more than 50 years of collective experience in DUI law and criminal defense—you can rest assured that your case is in good hands.

The Penalties of an Underage DUI Conviction

For the first DUI offense while underage, individuals are subject to a fine between $1,000 and $2,000 and a license suspension of 6 months. If their BAC tested at .08% or above, they may also face jail time. Remember that you may be arrested for DUI if your BAC is above .02%, but you may not receive a jail sentence unless it is above .08%. For subsequent underage offenses, the DUI penalties are increased—a second underage DUI conviction results in jail up to 12 months, up to $4,000 in fines, and a year of license suspension.

What can a Tampa DUI Lawyer do for you?

After an arrest, you may feel overwhelmed by the legal process ahead of you. That's why the attorneys at our firm are committed to helping our clients build effective case strategies to obtain the favorable case outcomes they need and deserve. With an attorney on your side, you can have peace of mind that a capable legal professional will be by your side through every step of the legal DUI process. Call our office today or fill out an online form for a free case evaluation.