Panama City Juvenile DUI Defense Attorney

What Are the Penalties for an Underage Dui in Florida?

Being charged with underage DUI in Florida can result in a range of penalties that vary based on the circumstances of the case. It's crucial to understand the potential consequences to make informed decisions. The penalties may include:

• License Suspension: A conviction for underage DUI may result in the suspension of your driver's license, affecting your ability to commute to work, school, or other essential activities.
• Fines: Penalties for underage DUI often involve monetary fines. These fines can be substantial and add financial strain to an already challenging situation.
• Community Service: In some cases, the court may require the individual to perform community service as part of the penalty for an underage DUI conviction.
• Probation: Probation is another possible consequence, during which the individual must adhere to specific conditions set by the court.
• Alcohol Education Programs: The court may mandate participation in alcohol education or treatment programs to address any potential issues related to alcohol consumption.
• Criminal Record: A conviction for underage DUI can result in a criminal record, impacting future educational and employment opportunities.
• Ignition Interlock Device: In certain cases, the court could order installing an ignition interlock device in the individual's vehicle, requiring a breathalyzer test before starting the car.
• Increased Insurance Rates: Insurance premiums may significantly increase following an underage DUI conviction, adding a long-term financial burden.

Strategic Defenses for Underage DUI Accusations

Some common defenses against underage DUI charges include:

• Lack of Probable Cause: We can thoroughly examine the circumstances leading to the traffic stop and arrest to decide if law enforcement had sufficient probable cause for the stop.
• Field Sobriety Test Accuracy: We can scrutinize the accuracy and reliability of field sobriety tests, as these tests can be subjective and influenced by various aspects.
• Breathalyzer Accuracy: We can assess the accuracy of breathalyzer tests and challenge their reliability if there are doubts about the calibration or proper administration of the test.
• Violation of Rights: We can investigate whether the rights of the individual were violated during the arrest or testing process, which could lead to the suppression of evidence.
• Rising Blood Alcohol Content (BAC): It's possible that an individual's BAC was below the legal limit during the time of driving but increased to an illegal level during the testing process. We explore this possibility to challenge the charges.
• Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions or medications may impact the accuracy of DUI tests. We investigate whether such factors played a role in the case.