Underage DUI in Tempe Reduced to Reckless Driving
This morning, we settled a case in Tempe for an underage DUI that resulted in a complete dismissal of all DUI charges in exchange for pleading guilty to Reckless Driving. This was an amazing outcome! The client, his family and our law firm couldn’t be happier.
What is the Law for People Under 21 Arrested for DUI?
Generally speaking, it is against the law for a person to operate a car with a blood or breath alcohol content greater than .08. If, however, the person is under 21, there are stricter laws that apply. If a person under 21 years old drives a car, it is illegal for them to have any traceable amounts of alcohol in their system.
Any time a person is charged with a DUI, they will be charged with having over a certain blood alcohol content, as well as driving a vehicle while impaired. This is because the Arizona Legislature enacted a law that presumes that everyone’s ability to operate a vehicle is impaired at .08. They have scientist that support this belief.
This rule of law is inapplicable to those who are under 21. If you are under 21, impairment is a non-factor. As mentioned, it is illegal to have any traceable amounts of alcohol in your system while you are driving a car. This means, a person could be charged with an underage DUI even if the had a .01 blood alcohol content.
So What are The Underage DUI Penalties
A person who is charged with an underage DUI will also be charged with regular DUIs. The extent of their regular DUI charges will all depend on their blood alcohol content. For example, if the person’s blood alcohol was .22, they will be facing five charges – driving over a .20, over a .15, over a .08, driving while impaired and an underage DUI.
Unfortunately, the person will face the penalties associated with the regular DUIs, as well as the underage DUI. Meaning, if convicted of a .22, they will be sentenced to up to 45 days in jail, must get a breathalyzer installed in their car for 18 months and fines. Because they are under 21, however, if convicted of underage DUI, they will also lose their license for 2 years.
What Can a Lawyer Do for Your Underage DUI Case
My office gets hired every day for DUI cases. We are very good at what we do. In the previous example, the young man I personally represented this morning received an outcome that he most likely would not have received if he did not hire my office. We were able to negotiate a resolution that included having all his DUIs dismissed –regular and underage. He will not have to go to jail, he will not have to have a breathalyzer installed in his car and he will not incur a license suspension. We provided this young man with an incredible outcome and we can do the same for you.
Have All Your DUI Questions Answered for Free
Speaking to a lawyer really couldn’t be easier. We’re not a stuffy law firm that you should feel intimidated by. We have a staff of very friendly people who would be more than happy to answer any and of all your questions for free. We understand this is a stressful time. We don’t use the sky is falling, scare tactics. Our lawyers are direct, to the point and honest. Please call us to discuss yours or your child’s underage DUI case, 602-926-8902.