Chicago, IL Underage DUI Attorney

Respected Lawyer Defending Minors Charged With DUI in Chicago, Illinois

In Illinois, all drivers are prohibited from driving while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, and they may face DUI charges if they are over the legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) or if they have drugs in their system. However, drivers who are under the age of 21 may face DUI charges if they have even a trace of alcohol in their system. Underage drivers may face license suspensions, or other penalties may apply, including jail time, steep fines, and a permanent criminal record. These consequences can have a lasting impact on a young person's future, affecting their education, employment opportunities, and other areas of their lives.

Following an arrest for underage DUI in Chicago, it is critical to work with an experienced DUI defense attorney. Miranda Law Office, LTD provides compassionate legal representation for minors who have been charged with DUI and other offenses involving alcohol or drugs. Our firm offers services in both English and Spanish to ensure that families can receive clear communication and support throughout the process of defending against Underage DUI charges.

Zero Tolerance for Underage Drivers in Illinois

Drivers younger than 21 years old are prohibited from driving after drinking any amount of alcohol. If an underage driver is arrested for DUI, their breath, urine, or blood may be tested to determine their blood alcohol concentration. A BAC higher than 0.00 percent can lead to underage DUI charges.

In these cases, a minor will be subject to an automatic driver's license suspension of three months for a first offense or one year for a second offense. If a minor refused to submit to a chemical BAC test, their license will be suspended for six months for a first offense or two years for a second offense.

DUI Charges for Minors

The license suspension that underage drivers will face for violating the zero tolerance law is an administrative penalty. However, a minor may also face criminal charges for DUI if their BAC was over the legal limit of .08 percent or if they were intoxicated after using marijuana or drugs.

Minors will face the same penalties as adult drivers for DUI convictions. A first-time DUI charge is a Class A misdemeanor, so a minor who is convicted could potentially be sentenced to as much as one year in jail. They will also face high fines, up to a maximum of $2,500, as well as other court costs and related expenses.

Situations That May Lead to Underage DUI Charges

Minors may be arrested for DUI in a variety of situations, such as:

• During a traffic stop, a police officer may smell alcohol on the driver's breath or observe signs of impairment. The smell of marijuana in the vehicle or other signs that a driver has been using drugs may be a reason to suspect that the driver is intoxicated. Since any use of intoxicating substances is illegal for underage drivers, police may arrest a minor based on these suspicions.
• A minor may be involved in a car accident, and police officers who come to the scene may suspect that they had been drinking or using drugs. They may decide to arrest the driver and charge them with DUI or violations of the zero tolerance law.
• A minor may be returning from a party where alcohol or drugs were present. Officers may pull underage drivers over when they are driving late at night or when they are seen leaving locations where alcohol was being served. These traffic stops may lead to arrests for underage DUI.

Legal Help for Minors Facing DUI Charges

Underage DUI cases can have consequences that extend into every area of a young person's life, potentially affecting their college applications, scholarships, and job prospects. At Miranda Law Office, LTD, we understand the high stakes of these cases, and we work to protect the futures of young clients.

We may challenge traffic stops that led to DUI arrests, showing that an officer did not have a valid reason to suspect that a minor had committed a violation. We can review field sobriety tests and chemical BAC tests that were used to determine whether a minor had been drinking alcohol or using drugs, challenging improper procedures or questioning the accuracy of results. We will work to negotiate reduced penalties when possible, helping to minimize the impact that a DUI arrest will have on a minor's future.

Attorney Miranda is a former Cook County prosecutor with over 20 years of experience in criminal cases involving DUI and other types of charges. He can address the legal concerns that may arise in underage DUI cases, making sure a minor and their family can take steps to avoid long-term penalties

Contact Our Chicago, IL Underage DUI Defense Lawyer

Miranda Law Office, LTD provides compassionate representation for minors who are facing DUI charges. We work to protect our clients' rights and help resolve these cases successfully. Contact our Chicago underage DUI defense attorney today by calling 773-588-3822. Schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we can help address charges of underage DUI.