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Underage DUI

Northern California Underage DUI Attorney

Defense Against Juvenile DUI Charges in California

If you are under the age of 21 and have been arrested for DUI, you need a Northern California juvenile DUI lawyer to help you navigate the legal process. At DUI Rescue Guys, our skilled lawyer has a strong track record of success when it comes to defending the rights of those accused of DUI. We will work hard to protect your rights and best interests throughout the process.

Under California law, anyone under the age of 21 is prohibited from driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .01 percent or more. A DUI arrest can result in the loss of your driver's license, fines, and other penalties. Even if you were not driving, you could still be charged with a DUI if you were in the vehicle when the DUI occurred. As a result, it is crucial to have an attorney on your side who understands the law and can help protect your rights.

Schedule a free case review with a juvenile DUI lawyer in Northern California by calling (866) 442-0363 or filling out our online form.

What Is the Legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) for Minors in California?

Underage drivers are prohibited from driving with a BAC of .01 percent or more. If you are under 21 and you are pulled over by the police and are suspected of driving under the influence, you will be required to submit to a chemical test. The two most common types of chemical tests that law enforcement will request are a blood test and a breath test. If you submit to either of these tests and test positive for alcohol, you could be charged with a DUI.

California law does allow for some exceptions to the .01 percent BAC requirement. For example, if you are stopped for a traffic violation and you are under 21, you will not be required to take a chemical test if you are driving with a BAC of .01 percent or more. However, if you are stopped for a DUI and are under 21, you will be required to submit to a chemical test.

What Are the Penalties for a DUI if I'm Under 21?

If you are under 21 and are convicted of DUI, you could face harsh penalties. First, you could be required to pay fines and penalties. You could also be required to attend a DUI program, which costs hundreds of dollars. A first offense DUI could result in the loss of your driver's license. You will also be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle for a period of time.

What Is an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?

An IID is a device that is installed in your vehicle that prevents the vehicle from starting if the driver has a BAC of .01 percent or more. The IID is connected to the vehicle's ignition and will prevent the vehicle from starting if the driver has a BAC of .01 percent or more. The IID is installed in your vehicle for a period of time, usually one year. During this time, you will not be able to drive your vehicle if you have had anything to drink.

How Do I Fight DUI Charges if I'm Under 21?

If you are under 21 and have been arrested for DUI, you need a Northern California juvenile DUI lawyer to help you navigate the legal process. At DUI Rescue Guys, our skilled lawyer has a strong track record of success when it comes to defending the rights of those accused of DUI. We will work hard to protect your rights and best interests throughout the process.

Contact DUI Rescue Guys today at (866) 442-0363 for a free case review.

Have Questions?

We Have Answers!

Whether you have questions or you’re ready to get started, our legal team is ready to help.

  • What is blood-alcohol content level?
    Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is the amount of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream, expressed as a percentage. In California, as in all 50 states, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC level of 0.08 percent or higher. The BAC level can be measured with either a breath test or a blood test.
  • Do I have to get a lawyer if I’m charged with a DUI?
    You have the right to represent yourself in court if you choose. But there are good reasons, well beyond our natural bias toward calling in for legal help, that make having a lawyer extremely valuable. An experienced attorney knows how to investigate a case, from reviewing dash cam footage of the traffic stop, to reviewing police reports, to looking into how a breath or blood test was handled. Call DUI Rescue Guys at (866) 442-0363">(866) 442-0363 or fill out our online contact form and set up a free consultation today.
  • Is a breath test always accurate?
    No. It’s essential to check into possible causes of inaccuracy. These could include faulty equipment, as law enforcement officers must ensure the machines are recalibrated on a regular basis. Furthermore, false readings can be caused by food items such as bread or sugary products, substances like mouthwash as well as medical conditions such as reflux.
  • What should I say if the officer asks if I’ve been drinking?
    We all have a constitutional right to invoke silence, and to not have that held against us in a court of law. Drivers are well-advised to exercise that right at a traffic stop. In California, a police officer must have probable cause to test a driver’s BAC level. This could include noticeable signs, such as slurred speech or visible alcohol containers in the vehicle. But an admission by the driver that they have been drinking can also be considered probable cause.
  • What if the prosecutor offers a plea agreement?
    The District Attorney’s office may present defendants with a deal—plead guilty, but to a lesser charge. Whether that deal is a good one depends on the circumstances of each case, how much evidence the D.A. has and whether that evidence will stand up in court. But consider this—most people are unaware of some of the answers we’ve given here, regarding all the ways a DUI arrest might be challenged. And these answers are just scratching the surface when it comes to possible challenges. Therefore, it’s at least possible that the deal might be better for the prosecution than for the defendant. An experienced lawyer will know.