Colonial Heights Under 18 DUI Lawyer
Being charged with a DUI can be a frightening experience, especially when a driver is underage. After an arrest, a charge on someone’s record may result in fines and affect their future livelihood.
Because of this, it is important for anyone facing a DUI charge as a minor to seek the services of a Colonial Heights under 18 DUI lawyer. A knowledgeable DUI attorney could answer your questions and guide you through each step of the ensuing legal process.
The DUI Laws for Minors
Individuals under the age of 18 who are pulled over for suspicion of DUI are usually handled in the same manner as all persons under the legal drinking age of 21—excpet that these are often referred to as “baby DUIs.” The law states that it is illegal for those drivers to operate a motor vehicle after illegally consuming alcohol.
For minors, however, a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02 percent can be grounds for a DUI. For adults, this number is 0.08.
What to Expect in an Under 18 DUI Case
Someone under the age of 18 should expect the process of their DUI case to begin with them being taken into custody in some shape or fashion. Because of their age, they may not receive a standard arrest or be taken to jail.
Eventually, however, their parents will be alerted to the situation, and the minor will have to submit to some form of a breath test. Usually, these cases are heard in the Colonial Heights Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. Generally speaking, minor DUIs are treated by prosecutors and judges with a little more compassion and understanding than an adult DUI. Furthermore, there is also some room in the criminal code for looking after minors in a way that does not necessarily apply to adults.
However, if a person is charged with a DUI as a minor, they will still be prosecuted to the fullest extent in Virginia. These cases often result in a Class One misdemeanor charge, barring any kind of aggravated circumstance. However, the judges and the Commonwealth may be more lenient in their decision. This process for under 18 DUI charges involves numerous steps and considerations, which could be explained by a seasoned Colonial Heights lawyer.
How a Colonial Heights Under 18 DUI Attorney Might Help
If you or your child was charged with a DUI while under the age of 18, it is important to understand your legal options. A Colonial Heights under 18 DUI lawyer could help to advise you of your rights, explain the ensuing legal process, and discuss how to proceed with a defense.
A compassionate attorney could also act as a person’s counselor and may work with them to better their situation regarding drinking. Often, an attorney will speak with a defendant and their family about their situation and what steps might be taken to put them into a better situation. To discuss your case, call a legal professional today.
