Highlands Ranch Underage DUI Lawyer

Underage DUI Attorney in Highlands Ranch, CO

Driving under the influence (DUI) can have a lasting impact on your future. License suspensions, a criminal record, and additional penalties can all follow. When you add in the additional case element of being underage, the situation becomes more serious. This can leave those accused, or even their loved ones acting on their behalf, looking for a Highlands Ranch underage DUI lawyer who can represent them.

When you contact Fuller & Ahern, P.C., you are connecting with a talented legal team that cares deeply about our clients’ results. We understand that DUI cases can consist of a combination of mixed evidence, mistakes on both sides, and plenty of misunderstandings. With our knowledge of underage DUI laws and decades of case experience, we can bring clarity and control to this situation on your behalf.

What Is an Underage DUI in Highlands Ranch?

Anyone under the age of 21 is subject to a lower blood alcohol threshold and a zero-tolerance policy. This means that even small trace amounts of alcohol in a person’s system can cause them to be arrested. Sometimes, these amounts are so small that the person wasn’t even aware of them, nor did they, to their knowledge, display any reasonable evidence of impairment.

Colorado authorities can use chemical testing to determine if a person’s blood level is within the 0.02 to 0.05 limit for underage drivers. Underage DUI penalties can include license suspensions, which could put a young driver’s future in jeopardy.

If their blood alcohol level is higher than this threshold, they could be facing more serious penalties such as fines, mandatory treatment programs, probation, or more. A Highlands Ranch underage DUI attorney from our firm can skillfully address these charges, working to prevent them from seriously impacting your future.

Why Do Underage DUIs Happen?

Underage DUIs can happen for many reasons. For one, some young people are unaware of the lower alcohol limit they face according to the law. This can leave them feeling like they were wrongly accused, as they believe their driving skills were not evidence that they were impaired.

Some underage DUIs can happen due to a mistake. For example, a person may be a new driver on a new road, like many of the complex and busy highways here in Highlands Ranch. An officer could view their indecision, swerving, illegal maneuver, or intermittent changes in speed as signs of intoxication, even if alcohol isn’t a factor in their driving.

Why It’s Important to Contact a Lawyer as Soon as Possible

When you are facing an underage DUI charge or have a child who is, time is critical. The sooner you reach out to hire an underage DUI lawyer from our firm, the better. Acting fast is important for several reasons, including the following:

• The faster you have us representing you, the easier it is for us to speak on your behalf.
• We can remove much of the uncertainty and anxiety from your DUI case.
• We can work quickly on your behalf to respond to the case against you.

When you are facing a DUI, it can feel like your entire future is under attack. For many people, this was their first legal issue, and this is even more likely if the accused is younger than 21.

However, our team brings a passion for defending clients who find themselves in these challenging moments. In addition, we’ve also worked as prosecutors; we know how the opposing counsel may approach the case, and this knowledge can serve you well.

Statistics About Underage DUIs

The state has a vested interest in protecting lives on the road, and this is especially true of young people. One statistic says that 25% of teens involved in car crashes had alcohol in their system. In addition, nearly one-fifth of fatal crashes involving people between the ages of 15 and 20 also involved impaired drivers.

The legal system continues to prosecute these matters aggressively, as under-21 fatalities involving intoxicated drivers have increased sharply in the last ten years, rising by about a third.

FAQs

Can You Refuse to Take a Chemical DUI Test?

Generally, you cannot legally refuse to take a chemical DUI test. Colorado law mandates that motorists within the state give “express consent” to comply with requests for chemical tests designed to measure intoxication. Some drivers are unaware of this, while others took the test willingly but believe it was mistaken. In either case, a lawyer from our firm can help.

Where Are Underage DUI Cases Heard in Highlands Ranch?

Underage DUI cases in Highlands Ranch are most often heard in the Douglas County Courthouse. Whether you have existing legal issues or this is your first time in court, our team can help you by offering the type of counsel and prep that comes from 30 years of dedicated experience. This can make court less intimidating and improve your chances of a better verdict.

What Is a Mistake a Person May Make During an Underage DUI?

A mistake a person may make during an underage DUI is sharing too much information. Even seemingly innocent statements, like “I only had a mixed drink,” can be taken as a confession of guilt and used against you. While you may need to comply with officer requests and share basic information during a stop or an arrest, it is recommended to ask for a lawyer as soon as you can.

Does Being Underage Hurt Your Chances in Court?

No, being underage does not hurt your chances in court automatically. When you hire a skilled lawyer from our firm, we can protect your rights, just like we do for every client we work with. Though some stigmas and stereotypes may exist when young people are charged, we can stop these from being taken as facts or evidence in your case.

Hire an Underage DUI Lawyer Today

Fuller & Ahern, P.C., takes great pride in putting our 75 years of combined experience to work for the amazing people of Highlands Ranch. When you have legal troubles, whether you’re a young person or the family member of one, it helps to have someone you can rely on.

Our three decades of dedicated service to this area have earned us many positive reviews and awards. Contact us today for a consultation, available in-person or digitally.