Under 21 DUI Defense Lawyer in Seattle

Aggressive Defense Strategies for Under-21 DUI Charges

If you are under the age of 21 and have been charged with a DUI, you are facing severe penalties and other potential consequences that can negatively impact your future. No matter the details involved in the case, your first step should be to hire an underage DUI lawyer who will safeguard your rights.

The Law Offices of Kevin Trombold, PLLC, is a Seattle law firm that is committed to helping clients who have encountered legal trouble resolve their criminal charges so they can resume their lives. Contact our law firm today to schedule a free consultation with our experienced DUI attorney, and we will determine which legal options best suit your needs.

What is the Legal Limit for Drivers Under 21?

In Seattle and throughout Washington, state law has a “zero tolerance” policy when it comes to underage drinking. The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for drivers under the age of 21 is 0.02%, so even one drink can effectively exceed the limit. As an added note, any detectable amounts of THC or marijuana are also prohibited under the law.

If a driver under 21 registers a BAC of 0.02% and 0.07%, they will be charged with a minor DUI, also known by its official title, Driver Under 21 Consuming Alcohol. A minor DUI case is charged as a misdemeanor offense.

Depending on the circumstances, an individual charged with underage DUI could also be charged with Minor in Possession (MIP) of alcohol, a gross misdemeanor. If a minor is charged with an adult DUI due to registering a BAC of 0.08%, they can face harsher penalties, including being ordered to serve 364 days in jail.

Can Underage DUI Charges Result in a Criminal Record?

One of the most common concerns among underage DUI defendants is the possibility of ending up with a criminal record. An underage DUI conviction will result in a record that typically appears on standard background checks. Even so, if your charges also involve drug crimes, a conviction could block you from receiving college financial aid.

Penalties

An underage DUI conviction can result in severe penalties, but not always to the same degree as those for an adult DUI. For a first-time underage DUI, you could be sentenced to up to 90 days in jail or juvenile detention and up to $1,000 in fines.

Will My Driver’s License Be Suspended if I am Convicted of an Underage DUI?

If you are convicted of an underage DUI, you will be subject to an automatic driver’s license suspension. The Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) can suspend your driving privileges for up to two years through an “administrative suspension,” along with a separate suspension if you are convicted. If you refuse a breath or blood test, the Department of Licensing will automatically suspend your license for at least one year.

Administrative Suspension

Under state law, an administrative suspension will begin 45 days after an underage DUI arrest unless you request a formal hearing and win your case. The request for a hearing must be made within 20 days of your arrest.

This suspension generally lasts for at least 90 days to six months for a first offense. Subsequent offenses can result in a minimum one-year suspension or, for multiple offenses, a four-year suspension. The suspension can also be extended if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was 0.02% or higher, and you may be ordered to complete a substance abuse program.

Court-Ordered Suspension

If you are convicted, your driver’s license can also be suspended for another 90 days to two years. If you are under 18, multiple offenses can result in a license suspension until age 18 or for two more years, whichever is longer.

Why Should I Hire an Underage DUI Lawyer?

If you or your minor child has been charged with an underage DUI, you face a lengthy license suspension. Because a conviction can result in a permanent criminal record, having legal representation can make the difference between you achieving your goals, such as attending college, or struggling to find employment.

A lawyer is familiar with the legal nuances involved in challenging the prosecution’s case. For example, they may be able to determine that the police officer lacked probable cause to initiate the stop and that any evidence obtained during the stop should be excluded. Your lawyer can also determine whether the blood and breath tests were improperly administered and argue that any evidence obtained should be tossed out, significantly weakening the prosecutor’s case.

If your child is under 18 and charged with a DUI, your lawyer can work to contain the case to the juvenile system, which often utilizes diversion programs that could seal their record, helping them avoid a criminal record.

Your legal representative will also help you navigate the complex legal challenges that arise, including completing legal paperwork and representing you at the administrative license hearing.

Contact The Law Offices of Kevin Trombold, PLLC, today to Discuss Your Defense Options.

No one ever dreams that they or their child will have to defend themselves against an underage DUI charge. The collateral consequences can severely impact your ability to achieve your life goals. At The Law Offices of Kevin Trombold, PLLC, our experienced DUI attorney and legal staff believe that everyone deserves another chance to prove themselves.

If you or your child is facing an underage DUI charge, you must act immediately and hire an attorney who will safeguard your future. Our law firm has a proven reputation for helping clients resolve their legal issues quickly and efficiently so they can resume their lives.

Contact our law office today at 206-590-7667 to schedule a free initial consultation and begin working on your defense.