San Diego Underage DUI Defense Attorney

California Underage DUI

If a person under the age of 21 is arrested for DUI / drunk driving in California, they face the possibility of three separate DUI penalties:

I. The DUI Zero-Tolerance Law: A One Year License Suspension

California Vehicle Code 23136 makes it illegal for a minor, juvenile or person under 21 years of age to drive a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .01 or greater.

If it is determined that the underage driver has a BAC of .01 or greater, the officer will confiscate their drivers license. The minor will then be entitled to a DMV hearing as to whether the evidence confirms their BAC was at least .01 while driving.

If the minor loses their DMV hearing, their California drivers license will be suspended for one year. If the minor wins the DMV hearing, no driver’s license suspension will be imposed.

The underage person arrested for DUI / drunk driving has the right to be represented by a DUI defense attorney at the DMV hearing. They also have the right to testify, call witnesses, and cross-examine the state’s witnesses.

II. Infraction For Drivers Under 21 With a BAC of .05 or Higher

California Vehicle Code 23140 states it is an infraction for a minor, a juvenile or a person under 21 to drive a vehicle with a BAC of .05 or higher.

If a minor is convicted of this section as well as the standard adult DUI charge (driving under the influence or driving with a BAC of .08 or more), the court may require them to attend an alcohol education/rehabilitation program for young offenders.

III. The Standard California DUI Charges

If the underage driver appears to be under the influence, or a breath or blood test determines a BAC of .08 or higher, they will likely be charged with an adult misdemeanor crime of DUI.

If convicted, the court will impose the same DUI / drunk driving penalties that it does on an adult: probation, fines, an alcohol program, a driving restriction, and possibly jail time and/or community service. However, these penalties come in addition to the two mentioned above: the .05 BAC alcohol rehabilitation program and the zero tolerance one-year license suspension.

Underage DUI Lawyer in San Diego

Have you been arrested for drunk driving or DUI while underage in San Diego? You need an attorney experienced in underage DUI cases. Your San Diego DUI lawyer will not only help your case, but will defend you and your constitutional rights. Don’t risk your future, family, employment or reputation after a DUI conviction. Contact DUI Crew to speak with someone who can answer your questions and assist in getting a favorable outcome of your case.
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It is in your best interest to retain a San Diego DUI lawyer after being arrested. Don’t risk your freedom, license and having a criminal record, get help from an experienced attorney at DUI Crew.
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What are my options?

I was arrested for DUI, what can I do about it? After being arrested for DUI you may be unsure of what to do and what your options are. Our experienced attorneys will guide you through the process.
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We strive to be a one-stop source for your legal questions. Get answers to your questions about DUI, drunk driving, the DMV, court processes and much more on our FAQ’s page.
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Testimonials

You want this guy with you in court

I was arrested on my 3rd DUI within 10 years and this charge comes with ALOT of problems that I had to face. Howard being the knowledgeable attorney he is was able to reduce my charges and I spent NO TIME IN JAIL. This man knows the law and together with his knowledge and determination I can say that if you get any type of DUI you WANT THIS GUY WITH YOU IN COURT.

Professional & Personable

I highly recommend Mr. Williams to anyone! He is very personable and is extremely educated with what he is doing. He handled my DMV case and got my charges in the court hearing reduced to a “Wet Reckless”. After talking to Howard I was more confident and less shameful with my case. Howard always returned my phone calls within 24 hours.

Excellent Attorney!

Howard did an amazing job defending me in my under 21 years of age DUI case, which was a complex and difficult one. He took care of both my DMV hearing and court case in a very efficient and timely manner. I hired Howard because, (1) he listened and was genuinely concerned about my well being, (2) he was honest and did not make any promises about the potential outcome of my case, (3) he kept in touch and informed me each step of the way, (4) he treated me with respect, and (4) his fees were fair and reasonable. I highly recommend Howard to anyone who needs a DUI attorney.

Great Lawyer

I was charged with a DUI hit and run with a BAC of .31. I hired Howard to represent me on this case and he was able to dismiss all charges. I recommended him to my friends, and I recommend him to anyone looking for an amazing lawyer. His staff is also very helpful and respectful.

Reduced my charges!

Howard represented me for my DUI case a couple months ago. My BAC level was .22 which is pretty high but he was able to reduce my charges in court to a wet reckless. I hope I don’t get another DUI but if I do, Howard would be my first call.

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