Driving under the influence, or DUI, is a serious criminal case in many states; especially Florida. An experienced DUI Attorney in Tampa Florida must be contacted immediately if you or a loved one has been charged with this offense. A DUI case can be lengthy and complicated. People who have never been involved with the law find it difficult to deal with. But the situation becomes worse when it was a minor behind the wheel.
Underage DUI is a driving offense by a minor (less than 21 years of age) who is under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances. For adults, the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08%; while minors are only allowed a BAC limit of 0.02%. Florida has zero tolerance for underage drunk drivers because they shouldn't even be drinking in the first place.
Penalties
If you're a minor who has been charged with DUI, don't expect the law to be understanding. Your best bet is to be cooperative and call a trusted family member. The aid of a skilled and aggressive criminal attorney would be valuable as well. He has the ability to plead for your case, and could even lower your punishment.
For a first-time offender with BAC of 0.02%, his driver's license shall be automatically suspended for 6 months; while a second-time offender shall get one year. Those found with BAC higher than 0.05% shall acquire harsher penalties; which may or may not include jail time, probation, mandatory addiction classes, expensive fees, and community service.
Other charges aside from DUI may also be imposed. The law enforcer will take into account several factors such as:
Getting a license suspended for DUI charge creates additional stress not only for the minor, but also for his family. Without driving privileges, his normal routines (like going to school or work) shall be disrupted. He can apply for a 'hard license' for employment purposes (e.g. going to and from work for example), but he would need to complete a DUI driving course.
Auto insurance companies can be strict regarding DUI. In many cases, the premium will only increase by a few hundred dollars. In extreme circumstances though, insurance firms can terminate the policy completely. The offender would also need to submit a DMV certificate as proof for license reinstatement.
An underage DUI charge puts the minor's future at stake. Especially for those aiming for top universities, this can hamper their dreams or slow it down. Sealing or destroying a DUI charge, also known as expungement, is impossible in Florida. The minor would need to come clean to his boss and also his school about his mistake.
Don't Drink and Drive
The best and safest road to a bright future is NEVER to drink and drive. If worse comes to worse though, a DUI attorney can help alleviate the troubles that come from this crime. It is never to late to learn; and minors still have their entire life ahead of them to make up for their errors.
Penalties
If you're a minor who has been charged with DUI, don't expect the law to be understanding. Your best bet is to be cooperative and call a trusted family member. The aid of a skilled and aggressive criminal attorney would be valuable as well. He has the ability to plead for your case, and could even lower your punishment.
For a first-time offender with BAC of 0.02%, his driver's license shall be automatically suspended for 6 months; while a second-time offender shall get one year. Those found with BAC higher than 0.05% shall acquire harsher penalties; which may or may not include jail time, probation, mandatory addiction classes, expensive fees, and community service.
Other charges aside from DUI may also be imposed. The law enforcer will take into account several factors such as:
- possession of fake identification to purchase/consume alcohol
- alcohol/substance distribution and/or solicitation
- endangerment violations
- moving vehicle offenses (as observed by a law enforcer)
Getting a license suspended for DUI charge creates additional stress not only for the minor, but also for his family. Without driving privileges, his normal routines (like going to school or work) shall be disrupted. He can apply for a 'hard license' for employment purposes (e.g. going to and from work for example), but he would need to complete a DUI driving course.
Auto insurance companies can be strict regarding DUI. In many cases, the premium will only increase by a few hundred dollars. In extreme circumstances though, insurance firms can terminate the policy completely. The offender would also need to submit a DMV certificate as proof for license reinstatement.
An underage DUI charge puts the minor's future at stake. Especially for those aiming for top universities, this can hamper their dreams or slow it down. Sealing or destroying a DUI charge, also known as expungement, is impossible in Florida. The minor would need to come clean to his boss and also his school about his mistake.
Don't Drink and Drive
The best and safest road to a bright future is NEVER to drink and drive. If worse comes to worse though, a DUI attorney can help alleviate the troubles that come from this crime. It is never to late to learn; and minors still have their entire life ahead of them to make up for their errors.
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