Sarasota Underage DUI Lawyer

Drunk driving among minors is a real concern here in the Sunshine State, despite there being a Zero Tolerance Law in place. If you stand accused of this offense yourself, you could be facing serious penalties that could forever affect your life.

This is why you should strongly consider reaching out to us at Titan Law to discuss your case with a Sarasota underage DUI lawyer. We offer free strategy sessions during which you can better understand the charges you’re facing and the rights you have. So, contact us today.

Penalties Associated With Driving Under the Influence as a Minor in Florida

Data compiled by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) outlines how nationwide, there were 5,870 minors arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), according to the federal agency’s most recent statistics from 2020. This marked a 5% increase over the prior year.

The above-referenced state statute describes how anyone under age 21 found to have had a blood alcohol content of 0.02% or greater may face the following penalties:

• Anywhere from a 6-month suspension to revocation of one’s driver’s license
• Participation in a driver’s education program and
• Potential substance abuse counseling
• Performance of community service
• The imposition of fines ranging from $ 500 to $1,000 (or more)
• Potential jail time
• You facing a civil lawsuit (if you injured someone), which could result in a judgment of tens of thousands to millions of dollars

The penalties above may be imposed independently or in conjunction with each other, depending on the severity of the offense. For example, if an intoxicated motorist had a particularly high BAC when stopped, caused a crash that injured someone else, or is facing their second or third underage DUI charge in Florida, potential penalties they face may be more significant than they are for others.

Common Related Charges

It’s not unheard of for someone facing underage DUI charges in Sarasota County to also face additional charges, such as:

• Possession of a fake identification card (ID)
• Refusal to submit to a breath test
• Minor in possession
• Giving alcohol to minors
• Traffic infractions, including non-moving and moving violations
• Fleeing the scene of a crash

We often find that these added offenses can lead to you facing added penalties. Defending you or negotiating a deal with prosecutors to reduce charges can prove challenging in these instances, but it is something that any Sarasota underage DUI lawyer on our team is experienced in doing and thus can help you, too.

Consequences Associated With an Underage Drunk Driving Conviction

The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) outlines collateral consequences associated with DUI and other criminal convictions that can extend beyond ‘paying the initial price’ (in terms of fines, penalties, etc.) that are imposed. Anyone charged with underage DUI in Sarasota may face challenges such as the following if convicted of such an offense:

• Revocation of admissions status at a college or university
• Problems securing employment, especially if it involves
• Stand to lose any professional licensure they may have obtained
• Difficulties obtaining housing
• Problems securing welfare benefits, such as food stamps
• Put their immigration status at risk

Know that when you work with us at Titan Law, your Sarasota underage DUI lawyer will do everything possible to defend you on the charges you face so you avoid a conviction that could forever change the trajectory of your life.

Our work together with you begins with a free initial strategy session with one of our attorneys. Get in touch with us to schedule one now.