i Chesapeake Underage DUI Lawyer | Minor Drinking and Driving

Chesapeake Underage DUI Lawyer

Virginia law has zero tolerance for underage drinking and driving. While adults have some room for operating a motor vehicle after having a small number of drinks, those under 21 are prohibited from driving with virtually any alcohol in their system at all. Violating this prohibition can lead to lasting consequences.

Thankfully, a Chesapeake underage DUI lawyer can help you maximize your chances for a favorable outcome. There may be an opportunity to see the case against you dismissed or to resolve it without a mark on your record. Before you plead guilty, consider discussing your options with a practiced DUI attorney.

The Basics of Underage DUI Charges

When it comes to underage DUI, the state has certain elements it must prove to make its case. While they are similar to standard drunk driving charges, the threshold of blood alcohol content is much lower.

In order to make its case, the Commonwealth has to establish that the accused was operating a motor vehicle. This can include driving on public roadways, but merely being in physical control of a car is enough. That means an individual could be charged even if they are in a parked vehicle and had not driven prior to the arrest.

The next key element is age. This charge only applies to people below the age of 21. Drivers who are 21 and over cannot violate this statute and are instead only limited by standard DUI laws.

Finally, a person can be charged with this offense if their blood alcohol content—or BAC—is .02 percent or higher. This is far lower than the .08 percent limit that applies to adults.

Minors Can Face Adult DUI Charges

This offense is only used for people under the age of 21 who have a BAC between .02 and .07. Anyone below .02 percent has not violated the relevant alcohol statute. Meanwhile, underage drivers who have a BAC of .08 or more are guilty of a standard DUI offense. This is important to understand, given that the consequences of DUI are much higher in that scenario. The good news is that an underage DUI attorney in Chesapeake could fight back against either type of charge.

Possible Penalties for an Underage DUI

Not everyone faces the same potential penalties when they are convicted of this offense. The age of the accused plays a major role in identifying possible consequences.

When a minor under the age of 18 is arrested for this offense, their case is handled in juvenile court. Unlike the adult justice system, juvenile court is primarily focused on rehabilitation. That means minors typically face suspended driving privileges and mandatory alcohol classes.

For anyone aged 18 to 20, underage DUI is a Class 1 misdemeanor. That means a jail sentence of no more than 12 months, a year-long license suspension, community service, and up to $2,500 in fines. An underage DUI lawyer in Chesapeake can work to fight these penalties.

Talk to a Chesapeake Underage DUI Attorney Right Away

If you or a loved one have been charged with drinking and driving while under the age of 21, having the support of legal counsel is crucial. There is a chance to beat these charges or avoid a mark on your permanent record. Reach out to a Chesapeake underage DUI lawyer today to get started.

Areas We Serve

With an office near Town Center, Virginia Beach and a second location beside the Chesapeake courthouse, our team provides quality legal representation across the entire Hampton Roads Area.

  • Virginia Beach
  • Hampton
  • Chesapeake
  • Newport News
  • Norfolk
  • Yorktown
  • Portsmouth
  • Accomack County
  • Suffolk
  • Northampton County

Parks Zeigler, PLLC – Attorneys At Law

Parks Zeigler, PLLC – Attorneys At Law N/a
VIRGINIA BEACH OFFICE
Address
4768 Euclid Road,
Suite 103

Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462
Map & Directions
Phone
757-453-7744
CHESAPEAKE OFFICE
Address
524 Albemarle Drive,
Suite 200

Chesapeake, Virginia 23322
Map & Directions
Phone
757-312-0211
ELIZABETH CITY OFFICE
Address
200 N. Water Street,
Suite 2A

Elizabeth City, NC 27909
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Phone
252-679-8880