Underage DUI Attorney in Florida

Your Child’s Future Is Our Priority—Call Florida Ticket Firm

Facing an underage DUI charge in Florida can be overwhelming for both teenagers and their families. At Florida Ticket Firm, we understand the complexities and serious implications associated with these charges. Our commitment is to provide personalized and strategic defense plans aimed at protecting your child's future. 

Underage DUIs can lead to significant legal challenges, affecting their educational opportunities, scholarships, and future employment. That's why it's essential to act promptly and engage a trusted underage DUI attorney that knows Florida law pertaining to juvenile offenders.

Request a free consultation with our underage DUI lawyers in Florida by calling (813) 565-3353 or connecting with us online. Virtual consultations are available, and we can support the needs of Spanish speakers.

Understanding Underage DUI Charges in Florida

Florida's DUI laws for minors are rigorous, with a BAC threshold of just 0.02% for a DUI charge, underlining the state's zero-tolerance policy. This makes it crucial to have a competent underage DUI lawyer in Florida. In addition to criminal penalties, administrative consequences, such as immediate license suspension, can disrupt a minor’s life dramatically.

Beyond the legal definition, it is important to understand how a stop can turn into an underage DUI case in Florida. Law enforcement may rely on observations such as driving behavior, the smell of alcohol, field sobriety exercises, and portable breath tests when deciding whether to arrest a minor.

Florida also allows drivers under 21 to face administrative consequences even when the state does not pursue a full criminal DUI case. For example, a breath result of 0.02% or higher can trigger an administrative suspension handled through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. 

We help families understand the deadlines to request a formal review hearing and what evidence can be presented in that setting so they can make informed decisions about how to respond.

Potential Consequences of Underage DUI Convictions in Florida

The penalties for an underage DUI are designed to be swift and disruptive to a young person’s life.

Immediate and Future Penalties

• First Offense (0.02%+): Mandatory 6-month license suspension.
• Second Offense (0.02%+): Mandatory 1-year license suspension.
• BAC of 0.05% or Higher: The suspension remains in effect until the driver completes a mandatory DUI substance abuse course and evaluation.
• Refusal to Test: A first-time refusal results in a 1-year suspension, while a second refusal results in an 18-month suspension and can be prosecuted as a separate misdemeanor.

The "Hidden" Costs

• Education Impacts: Many colleges and universities have a "Student Code of Conduct" that triggers disciplinary hearings for alcohol-related arrests, potentially leading to the loss of scholarships or expulsion.
• Employment Background Checks: An underage DUI record can be a major "red flag" for internships, entry-level jobs, or positions requiring the use of a company vehicle.
• Insurance Hikes: For a driver under 21, insurance rates are already high. A DUI violation can cause premiums to triple or result in the total cancellation of the policy.

Defenses We May Explore In Underage DUI Cases in Florida

In underage DUI cases, potential defenses depend heavily on the specific facts, starting with how law enforcement initiated contact. We review whether the traffic stop was legally justified, whether proper procedures were followed, and whether your child’s constitutional rights were respected during questioning. Identifying issues early can create opportunities to challenge the foundation of the state’s case.

We also closely examine the reliability of field sobriety exercises and chemical tests. Medical conditions, environmental factors, and equipment calibration can all affect results. In some cases, we evaluate issues such as mistaken identity or lack of proof that the child was in control of the vehicle. This careful review allows us to develop a defense tailored to your child’s situation.

Our strategies as your underage DUI attorney in Florida include:

• Bilingual Support for Families: We ensure parents and their children fully understand the legal process. We offer bilingual services in English and Spanish, providing comfort and clarity during a stressful time.
• DHSMV Formal Review Hearings: We aggressively challenge the administrative suspension within the 10-day window to try and get the driver back on the road with a "hardship" license for school or work.
• Challenging the Initial Stop: If the officer lacked probable cause to pull the car over, we move to suppress all evidence, which can lead to a complete dismissal of the case.
• Alternative Sentencing: For criminal-level charges (0.08%+), we work with prosecutors to seek "Pre-Trial Intervention" (PTI) programs that can result in the charges being dropped upon completion of community service and education.

Take Action: Protect Your Child’s Future Today

At Florida Ticket Firm, our mission is to secure your child's future. Underage DUI charges necessitate immediate and strategic legal action. Consulting us today brings a supportive ally committed to defending your child’s rights and striving for the most favorable resolution. 

We offer free initial consultations and provide flexible meeting options, both in-person and virtual. With our dedicated underage DUI attorneys in Florida, you are never alone in these challenges.

Hire Florida Ticket Firm if you and your family are facing an underage DUI in Florida. Call (813) 565-3353 or reach out online for a free consultation!