Parker Underage DUI Lawyer

Underage DUI Attorney in Parker, CO

Experienced Underage DUI Defense Lawyers Defending the Future of Our Youth

If you are a parent, you know that teenagers are not perfect. They are still growing and learning, and sometimes they make mistakes. Unfortunately, one mistake that can have a lasting impact is the decision to drink and drive. Not only is this behavior dangerous, but it is also illegal. If your child has been charged with underage DUI, you need to take the situation seriously. Convictions can result in life-altering consequences, including a permanent criminal record.

At Fuller & Ahern, we know that young people make mistakes. We believe that one mistake should not define their lives. Our underage DUI attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the futures of our state’s youth. We are prepared to provide them with the aggressive legal advocacy they need and deserve.

What Is Underage DUI?

Underage DUI, also known as DUI per se, is a specific type of drunk driving offense that applies to drivers who are under the legal drinking age. In Colorado, the legal drinking age is 21. As such, any driver under this age who is found to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .02% or greater can be charged with underage DUI.

It is important to note that, unlike standard DUI charges, underage DUI charges do not hinge on the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle. Instead, they are based solely on the driver’s BAC.

For example, if a 20-year-old driver is pulled over for a broken taillight and the officer smells alcohol on the driver’s breath, the officer can request that the driver take a breath test. If the driver’s BAC is .02% or greater, the driver can be charged with underage DUI, even if he or she showed no signs of impairment and was driving safely.

Penalties for Underage DUI in Colorado

Underage DUI is a serious criminal offense in Colorado. As such, a conviction can result in a wide range of penalties, including jail time, fines, and more. Additionally, underage DUI charges can have a lasting impact on a young person’s life.

Penalties for a first-time underage DUI conviction in Colorado can include:

• 5 days to 1 year in jail
• A fine of $100 to $1,000
• 24 to 48 hours of useful public service
• A suspended driver’s license for 3 months, with no possibility of obtaining a restricted license
• Completion of an alcohol education program

If a driver is convicted of a second underage DUI, he or she can face the following penalties:

1. 10 days to 1 year in jail
2. A fine of $500 to $1,500
3. 24 to 48 hours of useful public service
4. A suspended driver’s license for 1 year, with no possibility of obtaining a restricted license

• Completion of an alcohol education program

If a driver is convicted of a third underage DUI, he or she can face the following penalties:

1. 60 days to 1 year in jail
2. A fine of $500 to $1,500
3. 24 to 48 hours of useful public service
4. A suspended driver’s license for 2 years, with no possibility of obtaining a restricted license
5. Completion of an alcohol education program

Additionally, a conviction can result in a permanent criminal record, which can make it difficult to find employment, secure housing, obtain loans, and more. It is also important to note that, while Colorado is one of the few states that does not have a “zero tolerance” policy for underage drinking and driving, multiple convictions on a young person’s criminal record can have a lasting impact. For example, a person with a criminal record may be barred from obtaining a professional license, joining the military, and more.

Understanding the Long-Term Consequences of Underage DUI

While the immediate penalties for an underage DUI in Colorado can be severe, the long-term consequences can be even more impactful. A DUI conviction can affect various aspects of a young person’s life, including education, employment opportunities, and social standing. At Fuller & Ahern, P.C., we believe in empowering our clients with knowledge about these potential repercussions.

Here are some critical long-term effects to consider:

• Impact on Educational Opportunities: A DUI conviction can hinder admission to colleges and universities, as many institutions conduct background checks during the application process.
• Employment Challenges: Many employers conduct background checks, and a DUI on record can limit job prospects and career advancement.
• Increased Insurance Rates: A DUI conviction can lead to significantly higher auto insurance premiums, placing a financial burden on young drivers and their families.
• Social Stigma: The stigma associated with a DUI can affect personal relationships and social interactions, leading to isolation or difficulties in forming new connections.
• Legal Record: A DUI conviction can result in a permanent criminal record, which can have lasting implications for a young person’s future.

Understanding these long-term consequences is vital in making informed decisions. Our experienced attorneys at Fuller & Ahern, P.C. are here to guide you through the legal process and help mitigate these risks. We prioritize not just your immediate defense but also your future.

Defending the Underage

At Fuller & Ahern, we understand that young people make mistakes. We believe that one mistake should not define the rest of their lives. Our underage DUI lawyers are committed to fighting for the futures of our state’s youth. We know how to navigate the legal system and can help your child fight for the best possible outcome.

Our attorneys are prepared to help you with all aspects of your underage DUI case, including:

1. Challenging field sobriety test results
2. Challenging breath test results
3. Challenging blood test results
4. Fighting driver’s license suspension
5. Challenging the legality of the traffic stop
6. Challenging the legality of the arrest
7. Fighting for a reduction in charges
8. Developing an effective defense strategy

Discuss Your Case with Our Colorado Underage DUI Attorneys

At Fuller & Ahern, we are passionate about helping young people overcome the legal challenges they face. If your child has been charged with underage DUI, we are here to help. Based out of our Parker office, our Douglas County underage DUI lawyers can help you understand your options and fight for your child’s future. We offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay unless we win your case.